Leisure Training? - Page 1

While out walking 'off lead' with your dogs in Parkland, Woods etc, do you interact with them in a leadership capacity? If so, what sort of interaction and responses do you maintain? Vixen PS. (Rhino, if you read this, did you read my reply to 'Puppy Training' - last reply on page 2)?

I am not a trainer but this is what I do. I will put a bell on their collar in wooded areas for safety. I will let them explore, then when they are about 25-35 feet away I will call them saying their names and "this way" they will find me and come within 5 feet and I will throw their toy. After a quick play, I will let them explore again and do the same thing. This way whenever I call them they will return for their toy. Sometimes when they return I will give them the command to "come" and they must sit in front in order to recieve their toy. I will also use "this way" when I change direction. When they return I will throw the ball in the new direciton. Regards, Melanie

Hi Vixen! I try to be the leader even outdoors when free off leash. I love to see them run. If they are off doing their own thing, I hide. They have to find me. If one gets that wildthing in him, I don't scream and yell. I take the others with better pack feeling with me to the van and wait. Boy is the lost boy happy when he still finds us. With time the control is more apparent as they realize they are loosing their pack if they do their own doggy things. I have neutered, spayed and intact dogs running and playing in a pack. Sometimes, other dogs join us. It gets sometimes hair raising, but I just have found the dogs figure things out themselves. So the other dogs, when they hear my voice already, come a running for just being in this pack. Sometimes we are plus 6 dogs. And all seem to have come to respond to me. It gets interesting when I have to pack all these "strangers" in my van and bring them home again.

Hello GSDfan, Thank you for responding. What area of working with GSD's are you mainly interested in? It is good that you interact with them while out for a leisurely walk. Have you considered calling your dogs JUST as you give them permission to go? It is good for dogs to learn to expect the 'unexpected'! Would you mind my making a comment regarding when you call your dogs? You said "they come within 5ft of me". They are obviously coming for the toy and the expectation of it being thrown for them. Why not start progressing their interaction and obedience with you by insisting that they come right up close to you (to see what YOU want)! Sometimes giving the "Come" command for a formal sit in front of you is good too. If you are doing any kind of formal obedience training, be careful that you do not always give the toy while the dog is sitting in front. It is best to go to the dog's side and 'release' then let your dog have the toy. That way you prevent him/her anticipating. Have you taught your dogs RIGHT and LEFT (just for fun)? i.e. with your dog facing you, say "Right" and throw the toy off to (your Right). Do this a few times. Until you can say "Right" and he goes in that direction before you have actually thrown the toy. Then do the same for "LEFT". Once taught you can mix and match it, and it gives him something to think about too! All the best, Vixen

Hello Layla, Thank you too for responding, nice to hear from you. Are you from the UK or elsewhere? What area of GSD activity are you mainly interested in? It is obviously important that your dogs respond to YOU because YOU have called them and not simply following the Pack. Therefore, why not show some control and authority even before they get out of the car, i.e. "Wait", and then call them out INDIVIDUALLY and make them either lie down or sit by the car, until you are ready to walk on. Do a little 'on lead' obedience work with EACH dog at different times during the walk. This will help you to keep them 'in tune' with you and help them to learn to listen and take notice! (Hope those 'extra' dogs you acquire are reunited safely with their Owners) LOL! Best wishes, Vixen

Vixen, I did read your post, and thanks for the info. I also like the Right and left idea (Above). Thanks again. Do you have any idea of a good GSD club in the Ocean, CA area ?

Hello Rhino, Thank you for responding. I am pleased you saw my message. The most important training at present is with you in your home!! Your puppy learning all about you as 'Pack Leader' and you helping to teach your dog to listen and respond. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend any Clubs in CA (is that California)? because I live in the UK. However, I would strongly suggest that you start visiting Clubs and comparing them. A 'GSD only' Club is not necessarily the best. You are relying on the knowledge and expertise of the Trainer. Visit a few generally and compare. Just a few pointers to look out for - Do you feel comfortable with the Trainer, it does help if you get along!! Have they suggested that you CAN bring your dog to watch the Beginners Class. (Distractions of Visitors should not pose a problem). How are the Trainer's dog/s behaving. Remember they will be the Trainer's ambassadors! Listen and watch the methods and philosophy that goes with the training. Does it make sense to you? Ask how many weeks the people and dogs have been attending, take that into consideration and observe how they are getting along. Remember they will be REFLECTING the training methods! Does the Trainer recognise and understand certain problems, and is able to guide and rectify, or does he/she just simply suggest to "keep practising"! Lastly, is there a good atmosphere at the Club, you are going there to learn and work but you want to enjoy the experience too! All good wishes, Vixen

Vixen, are you training your dog(s) with some goal in mind or simply as a well mannered pet?

Hello Keith, Obedience training is a constant progressive 'goal'. Never settle for 'that will do'! Some folk 'practice' but they do not TRAIN! There is an enormous difference. Some Trainers do not 'read' a situation, as to what or why something is happening, they just repeat the situation. Training and working with a dog builds a leadership bond between you providing the handler is not merely 'going through the paces' and just treading water. People often 'train' then sadly 'switch off' from their dogs for the rest of the time. I remind people that dogs NEVER switch off from us!!! I presume Keith that you are a participant in obedience training too? Are you from the UK? All good wishes, Vixen

Actually, I have to admit to having been somewhat confused by your original question as I view virtually all of my interaction with my dogs as training...either learning or reinforcement. I am in the US and my training interest is in schutzhund although I will admit to having a difficult time of late with finding a good helper within a reasonable proximity to me. Obviously, obedience is one of the disciplines but rather than using the toss of a ball to teach something like "left" or "right", I use it (two balls, actually) to build drive with a secondary benefit of positively reinforcing the "out" at an early age. I think we have different goals, hence different methodologies. Regards, Keith