1. Read regulations for any test. Read, Read, Read! If you don't know what's involved in tests, how can you train your dog ?
2. Use books from experts. I like Judy Adler's books for water training. I started with this book. One of my favorite books is "Building Blocks for Performance" by Bobbie Anderson. The 2nd. edition came out recently. I also recommend "How Dogs Learn" by Mary Bulch and Jon Bailey. It explains scientifically how dogs learn, but it is very easy to understand even if you don't like science.
3. Be creative. There is no technique which works for EVERY dog.
4. Observe your dog carefully. When you have trouble to train one particular exercise, do NOT practice WHOLE exercise. Always break it down, then work on the part which your dog has trouble. If you have someone who can pinpoint problems, that's great. If not, videotape yourself and your dog, so you can see what you both are doing at training or at tests.
5. Be kind. When you change locations to train, ready to go back to babysteps. Many dogs fail to do exercises when they are moved from land training to water. Don't be denial. I admit I still get frustrated sometimes when my dog doesn't do the exact same thing in water or at new locations !!! It is same thing in obedience, too. When I train indoor, outdoor, or different training centers, I must remind myself I shouldn't be surprised if they don't perform perfectly.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Gettin on the boat.MPG
Click "You tube" sign on the bottom of the video to see explanation of the practice.
Take a line-without anyone calling.MPG
Click "You tube" sign on the bottom of the video to read explanation of the training.
Retrieving-Reinforcing to carry 2.MPG
Click "You tube" on the bottom of the video to read explanation of the training.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Using commands and praise effectively
I've been training my dogs since I got my first Newfoundland almost 9 years ago. Now my dogs are older and got some titles, so I am training/teaching other people and their dogs more and more now. In these days, I do one-on -one session for water rescue work. I love to share my experience and technique to every one, so I thought I should just write on my blog.
I see the similar problems among individuals I'm trainign with. The first thing is "they talk too much !!!" This is a serious problem. People say their dogs know take, hold, or go out. Then, why do you repeat those commands while your dogs are "doing" ? When you send your dog to get a bumper, it is natural for your dog to "hold" while he/she is swimming. He/she may drop when he/she reaches the walking depth. But many people repeat "hold it" WHILE their dogs are holding (and swimming). If you want to remind your dog to hold it, you should use the "hold it" command just before your dog starts walking. Some dogs drop thier bumpers when they need to shake their heads. One of my dogs cannot hold a thing and shake his head at the same time, so I let him drop it and shake. Then I tell him to "take it". He always takes it after shaking his head and comes back to me. It is his style. I don't even say "hold it" when he starts walking because I'm 100% sure he will drop it. At a test, your dog passes as long as he/she delivers it to your hand at last. Do not repeat any command when your dog is unlikely to listen. Use commands only at the right timing !!! Do you listen carefully when someone talks on and on and on... ? I think you pay more attention when someone who is quiet suddenly says something. Don't keep saying to your dog "good boy/girl". It becomes all "blah, blah, blah..."
I see the similar problems among individuals I'm trainign with. The first thing is "they talk too much !!!" This is a serious problem. People say their dogs know take, hold, or go out. Then, why do you repeat those commands while your dogs are "doing" ? When you send your dog to get a bumper, it is natural for your dog to "hold" while he/she is swimming. He/she may drop when he/she reaches the walking depth. But many people repeat "hold it" WHILE their dogs are holding (and swimming). If you want to remind your dog to hold it, you should use the "hold it" command just before your dog starts walking. Some dogs drop thier bumpers when they need to shake their heads. One of my dogs cannot hold a thing and shake his head at the same time, so I let him drop it and shake. Then I tell him to "take it". He always takes it after shaking his head and comes back to me. It is his style. I don't even say "hold it" when he starts walking because I'm 100% sure he will drop it. At a test, your dog passes as long as he/she delivers it to your hand at last. Do not repeat any command when your dog is unlikely to listen. Use commands only at the right timing !!! Do you listen carefully when someone talks on and on and on... ? I think you pay more attention when someone who is quiet suddenly says something. Don't keep saying to your dog "good boy/girl". It becomes all "blah, blah, blah..."
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