Quote: Kevin Bouvy

I have been using it for a couple of weeks now. I only know the extent that was covered in the Basic Obedience video. I actually started back from scratch with my older dog and charged up a marker, and she has even shown improvement. ....

Starting over from scratch with Marker Training is a very good thing. Obviously, it goes fast, and it will change the dog's perception of training. Good for you!

Update...
I just finish watching the video and it did really put everything together and I now know what to do exactly, well maybe after I watch it another 3 times. There were some things that I was leaving out that have caused Ferguson to develop a bit of a chewy grip, and that cute little wild bull dance that I enjoyed watching. Basically, I let him run around loose with the prey item after he was victorious. Along with starting the out way too soon.

I did pretty well though, he has good focus and will not jump at the ball while in the sit, I have to attribute this to the obedience work. I can bring it all the way to his nose without even a quiver. He will wait and then catch when dropped. He will also do this in heel. So, I have to back up and use Flink's grip development techniques. I think he can recover from the monster I made of him (sarcastically), because it has only been about two weeks of my previous routine.

I was surprised, and you were right about the obedience; it is like it enhances his ability to stay in drive, because he is already familiar with the command. It is like it is not a command while in drive, but an obstacle to go around to get to the reward/ball. And very quick and sharp I might add! I really like the advice flink's gives about body posture and especially during commands. I can't wait to string a couple of weeks of proper drive and focus building together. I will keep you posted. I know that I have to back up to grip, I just can't wait to get back into focus! He is already soo good at it.

The only question I have is Do you all really teach the initial out with a serious correction? Drivework just seems like such a delicate balance that can be disturbed too easily. I notice Flink's does use compulsion, but with great care.

Overall the first half of the video I was dead on just from doing research, but I missed the boat on the complexity of the second hour or so. With a clear new direction, I am much more equipped at progressing to who knows what. I will leave that up to Fergie to tell me...

Thanks for all the help
kevin

 Quote: Kevin Bouvy

I was surprised, and you were right about the obedience; it is like it enhances his ability to stay in drive, because he is already familiar with the command. It is like it is not a command while in drive, but an obstacle to go around to get to the reward/ball. And very quick and sharp I might add!

I love that description! Right on! Sounds like you're doing great.

I can't really speak to the correct 'out' because I didn't really, *ahem* master that part . Hopefully somebody who has will comment there.

Please keep us posted!