Today Mango & I had our first ever agility competition, and of course Louis & EB came along to support us!
On paper, it didn’t go *that* well - we got eliminated in all 4 classes we ran - but I knew that would happen as Mango hasn’t quite got her weaves competition ready.
We approached today as a training opportunity, working in a new environment with LOTS of distractions!
As you know, I like to focus on the positives, so here’s a list of everything that went well:
- Mango waited beautifully on all 4 start lines.
- She had great focus in both of the jumping classes.
- We executed a blind cross as planned in the first class.
- She had amazing tunnel commitment.
- The contact equipment was different to what she was used to, but she went over the dog walks & A-frames beautifully.
- The first attempt at the seesaw was a bit of a disaster as she got the tipping point a bit wrong and flew off the end 🙈 but I put her back over it and not only did she have the confidence to try again, she smashed it 💪
- She made all of her contacts (aside from the minor seesaw mishap) and held her 2 feet on at the bottom of the dog walks & seesaw until I released her.
- Although we didn’t get a full set of weaves, they got better with each class and she found the entrance when approaching from both the right and left.
- She didn’t go and get her toy until the end of each run.
- She did get distracted by her trainer, who was part of the ring party, in the last class but came back and finished her run!
- There was one course which sent her towards the exit, and I thought she was going to run out, but she listened to me and turned instead.
- She didn’t visit any of the judges!
- She walked around the showground with a lovely loose lead, even with all of the people & dogs around.
- She settled beautifully in the shade with us between classes.
There were probably more but that’s all I can think of!
Huge thanks to Sian of Quad Squad, who has shown such patience wit
🌟 Loose lead walking success! 🌟
Each month I highlight a dog training with me who has done an amazing job!
🌟 This month's star dog is Obie! 🌟
Obie has been taking part in 1-2-1 sessions with me to work on his loose lead walking.
We started in the field playing some fun games to build his engagement with his humans, before taking a walk together in the village. I caught a bit of our walk on video and I'm sure you'll agree that he is doing a great job! 💪
I have a range of 1-2-1 packages available if you'd like to train with me. You can check them out here: https://www.sussexcanines.co.uk/1-2-1-dog-training
#looseleadwalking #looseleadwalkinggoals #looseleadwalkingtraining #dogtrainingsuccess #dogtrainingsussex #dogtrainersussex #121dogtraining
UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze Course
What to expect on a 6 week UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze Course with Sussex Canines.
🐾 Line up searches
🐾 Chair searches
🐾 Vehicle searches
🐾 Bag searches
🐾 Indication training
For more information visit: https://www.sussexcanines.co.uk/uk-sniffer-dogs
UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze Course
What to expect on a 6 week UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze Course with Sussex Canines.
🐾 Line up searches
🐾 Chair searches
🐾 Vehicle searches
🐾 Bag searches
🐾 Indication training
For more information visit: https://www.sussexcanines.co.uk/uk-sniffer-dogs
UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze Course
What to expect on a 6 week UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze Course with Sussex Canines.
🐾 Line up searches
🐾 Chair searches
🐾 Vehicle searches
🐾 Bag searches
🐾 Indication training
For more information visit: https://www.sussexcanines.co.uk/uk-sniffer-dogs
UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze Course
What to expect on a 6 week UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze Course with Sussex Canines.
🐾 Line up searches
🐾 Chair searches
🐾 Vehicle searches
🐾 Bag searches
🐾 Indication training
For more information visit: https://www.sussexcanines.co.uk/uk-sniffer-dogs
Here's a sneak peek into the types of things you and your dog will learn on a UK Sniffer Dogs Series 1 workshop!
- Scent recognition
- Indication training
- Line up searches
- Chair searches
My next 6 week course (which covers Series 1 & 2) is starting on 17th June.
When booking onto a course you'll also get a Sussex Canines scent kit including a red KONG, magnetic scent tin, various smaller KONG pieces and some treats for your dog!
To book your place, or to see what other dates are available, visit --> https://www.sussexcanines.co.uk/uk-sniffer-dogs
This month's Star Dog is Jack! 🌟
Jack has been attending our UK Sniffer Dogs continuation classes with his owners for a few months now and they have all been working really hard on his indication and ability to work around other dogs.
Not only is he doing amazingly with his scent work, but he also passed his APDT Good Companions Foundation award! Well done Jack! 🥳
#apdtgoodcompanion #apdtuktrainer #uksnifferdogs
Dog of the month - Jack!
This month's Star Dog is Jack! 🌟
Jack has been attending Scent School with his owners for a few months now and they have all been working really hard on his indication and ability to work around other dogs.
Not only is he doing amazingly with his scent work, but he also passed his APDT Good Companions Foundation award! Well done Jack! 🥳
Recall on a walk
I was out for a walk with the girls the other day and caught a recall with Mango on video.
I'm always looking to improve myself as a handler so I often video our interactions to watch back later.
Here are some things I liked about this recall:
- Nice and clear cues, "Name" + "Recall cue".
- Only called once. It can be very easy to call too many times, reducing the importance of your cue.
- Mango responded straight away. Add that to the wins for that week!
This was a successful recall - I called my dog and she came back.
However, through watching this video back, I can see things that I'd like to improve on.
I'll be discussing exactly what these are in our upcoming women only Recall SOS workshop (rescheduled from March).
Date: Friday 21st April
Time: 10am - 11.50am
Location: Southdowns Unleashed, near Falmer.
If you'd like to join us, you can book your place via my website: https://www.sussexcanines.co.uk/women-only
(scroll down to find workshop info)
p.s. There will be cake! 🍰
Playing Rewind with Mango!
Did you know that a new resource gets added to the Training Library each month?
This month it's all about the game Rewind!
Rewind is one of my favourite games to build a better recall.
It can help to:
🌟 build your dog's focus on you on a walk
🌟 teach your dog to pay attention when you change direction and to follow you
🌟 teach your dog that moving towards you is super rewarding!
Here's a clip of me attempting to play a one-handed version of the game with Mango while I video it 🤣
If you'd like to learn how to teach your dog to play Rewind (and lots of other games!) then why not subscribe to my Training Library today?!
With the Training Library you have 50+ online resources at your fingertips:
🎬 Videos of games and exercises
📝 Training plans
❓ Answers to common questions
🌟 New resources each month
🎁 10% off 1-2-1 sessions
For more information visit: https://www.sussexcanines.co.uk/memberships
Last week I had a 1-2-1 session with this fabulous dog and his amazing owners.
In this session we focused on scent work as part of his training program to help build up his confidence.
Here’s a clip of his very first line up search! He checked each pot beautifully and went back to the one with his target scent in. And his Mum did a fabulous job with his rewards, getting the timing and placement spot on ❤️
They brought such fun and enthusiasm and were a complete joy to teach. I can’t wait for our next session together!
If you’d like to work with me on a 1-2-1 basis you can check out my packages here: https://www.sussexcanines.co.uk/1-2-1-dog-training
