Post by Aussienot on Feb 17, 2004 0:42:30 GMT -5
After training I always obsess over what Finn did wrong, and overlook the things he did right. Yes, of course I know that's wrong, the Training Log is supposed to help me keep things in perspective. And yes, I know we are a team, and every problem is 90% my fault.
Last night in Agility there was a a dozen or so beginning dogs down at one end of the field, and only three of us up running a regular course at the other end of the field. Our performance in our first run at the course was average, but at least I had his attention. The second run was absolutely fantastic, competition level and perfect teamwork.
On the third run, Finn hit the weave poles, without warning turned 180 and rocketed across the field to the other dogs. I got him back without too much drama, finished the course. He's never done this before, although I've always been afraid of it.
Forth run, halfway through, another bolt away to the new dogs. Completely ignored the 'To Me' command which has always worked before. Got him back from the clutches of an Afghan, and tried to finish the course but his mind had gone.
I put him back on leash in a down stay and kept him there for about 20 minutes before calling it a night. I didn't verbally or physically correct, but used the down to "withhold" the fun stuff he enjoys. Left the field very discouraged. I actually lost sleep over this.
Tonight at Obedience, I am tempted to crack down and rip the head off my Spawn of Satan dog, which, of course, won't help. Thinking about giving it a miss until I'm in a better frame of mind.
So I need some rational perspective on next steps. Should I treat the behavior as abhorent and see how he does next week? Put him back on leash for the next few weeks?
I can't use the prong collar at either club, and the Agility are Purely Positive, so any corrections will be frowned upon. One idea I had was to blow off the Obedience club, take him down the Agility field by myself and do some precision obedience work.
Or just take a chill pill and see what happens next week?
Last night in Agility there was a a dozen or so beginning dogs down at one end of the field, and only three of us up running a regular course at the other end of the field. Our performance in our first run at the course was average, but at least I had his attention. The second run was absolutely fantastic, competition level and perfect teamwork.
On the third run, Finn hit the weave poles, without warning turned 180 and rocketed across the field to the other dogs. I got him back without too much drama, finished the course. He's never done this before, although I've always been afraid of it.
Forth run, halfway through, another bolt away to the new dogs. Completely ignored the 'To Me' command which has always worked before. Got him back from the clutches of an Afghan, and tried to finish the course but his mind had gone.
I put him back on leash in a down stay and kept him there for about 20 minutes before calling it a night. I didn't verbally or physically correct, but used the down to "withhold" the fun stuff he enjoys. Left the field very discouraged. I actually lost sleep over this.
Tonight at Obedience, I am tempted to crack down and rip the head off my Spawn of Satan dog, which, of course, won't help. Thinking about giving it a miss until I'm in a better frame of mind.
So I need some rational perspective on next steps. Should I treat the behavior as abhorent and see how he does next week? Put him back on leash for the next few weeks?
I can't use the prong collar at either club, and the Agility are Purely Positive, so any corrections will be frowned upon. One idea I had was to blow off the Obedience club, take him down the Agility field by myself and do some precision obedience work.
Or just take a chill pill and see what happens next week?