Glass half full?
Like humans, many dogs can be a glass half full/empty type of a dog.
Promoting an optimistic view of the world is important in encouraging confidence.
Oz is normally very positive but has a few things where her natural state is glass half empty, one of them being rain!
We may have encouraged fun in the rain a bit TOO much (she had a shower when we got home 😆)
What things can you do to keep your dogs cup full?
Reinforcement
How many of you have heard me shout REWARD THE DOG!!!
Probably every single person…..
We don’t work for free and it makes no sense that we should expect our dogs to.
Reinforcement takes many shapes and forms, normally food or toys.
My collies will all work for food but that’s like paying them £10 an hour whereas toy rewards would be £30
When I’m at home training, I don’t think too hard about what rewards I’m using as there’s minimal distraction and they all love using their brain and working.
If I want faster, sharper, more motivated responses AND/OR I’m in a harder environment then the highest value rewards come into play.
Reinforcement can be more then food or toys, one of my collies best rewards was getting to go into water and swim / stare at ripples. I taught him recall through using this as reinforcement opposed to typical food rewards!
My dogs all love to race and stalk each other, their reward for paying attention is to get to do this.
The video is me practising food follows with Oz yesterday.
Competitive obedience is a new sport to us both and it will take many many repetitions before we get 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓽𝔂 heelwork and even longer before we get duration.
If I screw up then the dogs get ‘freebies’ you tried - well done!
If I am confusing them then the last thing I need is their confidence knocked or for them to decide to disengage and do their own thing.
I sometimes get asked when can someone stop rewarding their dogs, my simple answer is NEVER!
The reinforcement doesn’t always have to be food however once something is learnt and practised, nor does it have to be every time.
It’s Your Choice
IYC or self control is an essential skill to teach your dogs.
It can help with recall, not taking things without permission, focussing off of distractions, building a bond between you and your dogs, thinking skills and most importantly done right is a lot of fun!
'Get it'! is my cue to the dogs to take something, Oz also has a 'win' cue that’s specific to toys.
Who’s having a go?!
#doggoneactive #positivedogtraining #leicesterdogtrainer #ashbydelazouch #Packington #dogtraining
Meeting your dogs basic needs plays a big role in creating a happy and confident dog. Training is important but simple enrichment activities can go a long way in mentally and physically stimulating your dog. Oz demonstrating enrichment doesn’t need to be fancy with opportunities to forage and dig on our walk today 😊 #doggoneactive #leicesterdogtrainer #ashbydelazouch #proactivedogowners
I have very mixed feelings about being indoors again as the outdoor season for my evening groups has been faaaar too short! They were all brilliant and we had a tonne of fun though!
TRICK DOGS! A few spaces left 😊
Saturday 17th August 9.30-11am
🧐 Do you find yourself coming back from walks with a dog still bouncing and ready to go?
🙃 A common phrase from dog trainers is 'do more brain work' but knowing what to do and where to look can be a bit daunting!
✅ Learn a range of easy to more complex tricks and the places to go and look to develop this further!
✅ Designed specifically for puppies and adolescents but suitable for any dog that needs a good mental workout!
✅ Fun positive training to get your imagination going!
✅ How to guide and resources provided
✅ You will need a range of high value treats and toys if your dog enjoys them.
Click on https://doggoneactivepackington.as.me/augusttricks to join in!
Anne and Trixie
Another fun evening…. Love training everyone!
Dont forget there is NO training now till Monday 29th 🥰
I ran a steeplechase morning on Saturday. Julie, Nick and Weronika were amongst those that attended. We had a lot of fun running 3 courses and practising longer sequences. So much fun!! I will be running another course running in October 😇 (Contact options for this one!) #doggoneactive #agilitytraining #Steeplechase #leicester #ashbydelazouch #Packington #positivedogtraining
I’ve decided I’m going to set up a camera to just film sessions as every time a dog is amazing and I think oooo video it doesn’t go quite to plan! Bandit was flyyying! #doggoneactive #leicesterdogtrainer #agilitytraining #ashbydelazouch #Packington
TRICK DOGS!
Saturday 17th August
9.30-11am
🧐 Do you find yourself coming back from walks with a dog still bouncing and ready to go?
🙃 A common phrase from dog trainers is 'do more brain work' but knowing what to do and where to look can be a bit daunting!
✅ Learn a range of easy to more complex tricks and the places to go and look to develop this further!
✅ Designed specifically for puppies and adolescents but suitable for any dog that needs a good mental workout!
✅ Fun positive training to get your imagination going!
✅ How to guide and resources provided
✅ You will need a range of high value treats and toys if your dog enjoys them.
Click on https://doggoneactivepackington.as.me/augusttricks to join in!
I've had a number of requests for this and making use of the secure location and parking at Wild Woods Newbold Coleorton, I am offering a couple of training walks through the summer!
Pick your focus of:
Loose lead walking
Recall
Focus work
Socialisation
Or simply come along for a nice time 😁
Click on https://doggoneactivepackington.as.me/doggonewalking to book
𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥
Does your dog recall until.....
🐦Birds
🐿 Squirrels
🐩 Other dogs
🏃 People!
The sudden appearance of things and fast movement often triggers a dogs chase drive and can be tricky to get them back on the same page.
💪 Learn a number of strategies, games and techniques to make racing back to you much more rewarding then running off into the sunset!
💪 You will receive a complete set of games/exercises and more following the in person training.
Click on https://doggoneactivepackington.as.me/racetorecall to book or message for more information
