Ruby and Trish- Sit, Down, Heel.
What is dog training?
In my mind, dog training is building a 'middle language' between human and canine. In order to make this language clear, it's must be consistent and easy to follow. By pairing a word, or vocal cue to an action, you can begin to build a dictionary of commands.
It's important to remember that dogs don't understand the words we say, they listen to the sound that the word makes. This means that saying different words to get the same response won't work! For example, 'DOWN' sounds different to 'LAY DOWN.
Keeping vocal cues short (one word where possible), makes it easier for the dog to follow instructions. Adding extra words/sounds, only creates grey areas and white noise, which the dog will not understand. This means that they will have to try harder to pick out the words they recognise, which becomes hard work and they eventually switch off.
Here is a video of Ruby doing some simple cues. 'Sit' means sit
'Down' means lay down
'Heel' means position your shoulder by my leg.
You can see how engaged Ruby is! This is because she understands what is being asked and can respond with success. You will see that Ruby needed another cue with a greater visual cue for her ‘down to sit’ and then responded well. I find that using hand signals (visual cues) are a fantastic way to support obedience training. I will cover this more in a future post.
🌟AWARDS 🌟
Firstly a huge congratulations to Jenny and Dan for completing their Level 3 last night. They are absolutely smashing it..roll on Level 4!
A big well done to Izzy and Tilly for passing their Level 2 a couple of weeks ago. Lots of great work and already progressing well into Level 3.
Congratulations to Jill, Cliff & Tuppence for achievement their Level 1 today. Tuppence is 19 weeks old and showing a lot of potential. I’m looking forward to watching her progress though the levels.
Well done everyone 👍👏🥳
All set up ready for training
All set up ready for training 🐕
Here is Dan in his 1:1 session, working hard on his walk to heel and ‘down’ from a distance. (Apologies for the sirens )
At this stage of training, vocal cues and visual hand signals are emphasised to help Dan understand what is being asked of him.
These will then be reduced until just a clear vocal cue is needed.
Adding a hand signal when training is a great method to stop repetitive vocal cues, which in turn, enables faster responses from the dog.
🐕Having fun and making friends at Penoffa socialisation and play sessions.
Wednesdays 6-7pm
Thursdays 11.30-12.30 & 1-2pm
What a fantastic first play & socialisation session. We had some very happy dogs! 🐶 Thank you to everyone who attended and a massive thank you to Penoffa Paw Paddock for hosting us! If you would like to join us for some fun with your dog, please get in touch to secure your place.
🌟Venue Preview 🌟
A sneaky peak of the venue which will be hosting our new on-lead socialisation play sessions- Penoffa Paw Park, Beggars Bush, Presteigne. Get in touch to secure your place!
Pumpkin and Julia
Pumpkin showing us how it’s done!
We achieved this using the ‘capturing method’. Pumpkin had never used a target or a ring before this session.
Julia used simple, clear cues which were easy for Pumkin to follow.
Well done 👏
Pumpkin & Julia
Pumpkin showing us how it’s done!
This was achieved using the capturing technique. Pumpkin had never targeted or used a ring before this session.
Note how Julia delivers short and clear cues which are easy for Pumpkin to follow.
Well done 👏
Training with a hoop
🐶A fun training exercise with a hoop and a young Labrador.
I am working with a ball as a reward. This was the first time he was introduced to this exercise and the first time he has learnt how to drop a ball on command. (Turn your volume up to hear the commands being delivered). For his first try this is pretty impressive!
The goal of this exercise is to get him to ‘WAIT’ and then jump ‘THROUGH’ the hoop. When he retrieves the ball, I ask him to LEAVE’. When he releases the ball he gets rewarded with high value chicken.
Note the change in my voice tone when I’m delivering a command and how it changes when I am giving praise. Also watch how I give a ‘Finish’ signal at the end to show him that training has ended.
Keeping yourself calm, and delivering simple commands that are easy for your dog to understand is the key to successful training!l
Loose Lead Workshop
Fantastic work from everyone last night at the first loose lead workshop in Penybont Hall.
All 10 dogs showed great improvements and their owners learnt the techniques needed to continue their training.
The next loose lead clinic is Tuesday 27th February. Get into touch to book in 🦮
I foucs on understanding the root cause of the problem.
