Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Training

So, Sunday night, Magic was doing scent articles relatively well. He is just learning, but he was consistantly bringing me the correct one. Last night, no sniffing at all, just grab the closest and bring it back. Not sure what to think of that. So after about 3 attempts, (one unscented article and one scented) we decided to practice a stay instead. So the bugger had to do a sit stay while I worked with Rinnie.

Siren, does not have a natural retreive. So last night we started working with the dumbell. In less than 10 minutes we went from what the heck is that to Ok I can put my mouth on it. I can pick it up off the floor. She isnt holding it yet, but I think she did really well just to pick it up. Of course after the failure with Magic, some success was nice!

4 comments:

manymuddypaws said...

you could try splitting up the pile a bit more- and only have one or maybe two decoys out there- he will likely be more successful if there are less choices. At least until he learns to use his nose consistently.

Cindy said...

A friend of mine(with an OTCH golden) suggested that you start out learning scents using tea balls. I have to look more into this but basically she stuffs a piece of cloth with her scent as well as treat in the ball she wants the dog to find. First it gets the dog used to the metal and 2nd once the dog returns, you open and give the treat. Then you sub the scented dumbbell in for the tea ball. Might try that? I have invested in a few tea balls now and starting next week, that's Moose's new routine.

Sarah said...

Have you ever investigated Janice Demello's Around the Clock method? Kane seemed to pick that up quickly, and while we haven't done any obedience in over a year, I will definitely go back to that. Winning the new article bag (with RED Cardigan embroidered on it) at the Silent Auction might be enough to motivate me to get back to work!

doberkim said...

as the previous poster stated, i used around the clock to teach rah -
he still gets it wrong sometimes, but they are generally lack of effort mistakes due to pressure when i intro something new (toys near or in the pile, a judge near the pile, etc). i was really pleased with it! ill be using it for berlin as well...