Bh practice, what do you think?? - Page 1

Bh minus the group and long down. This is our first time with the whole routine.

I think I am my biggest critic, so I'll go first. I think I need to look more animated. LOL It's difficult when you're counting paces, but I'll get it. Also, our first left turn looked horrible from where I was at.

Go ahead, critique away, I can take it. The person taking the video is an 8 year old, so you know why it's a bit wobbly.

Melissa

It's a bh. Most judges won't hammer you too much in the obedience. One thing to consider, is the fact that trial day will probably have more people out than your club. Is it on your club field.or a new field? The reason I'm bringing this up is because in your own backyard, the dog isn't glued to you. Add some distractions and who knows. But like I've said, its only a bh. Most judges don't care too much. I've seen dogs that were in their own world pass. After all, it is a temp test.

He does the same on our club field, tractor supply, wal mart, petsmart etc....
The trial will be in NY and I'm in NC. I still have a month or so to go.
It may only be a Bh, but it's our first Bh. LOL

Any suggestions on how to get him in closer? He's never been one to croud, unlike the other knuckle head
I'm working.

Melissa

Didn't mean his body. Your dog just follows you. He looks at you then looks forward. Back and forth. Following isn't necessarily bad. Ivans dogs are followers, but he teaches them to follow while focused. People that teach their dog to drive them have a prettier picture and the focus isn't an issue. Like I said, you'll pass the bh if your down and traffic work aren't a problem.

melissa
you need to reared the dog more every time he give you nice i iec contact reward don't be cheep he will work batter and look batter , over all he looks good
good job

good luck

Over all the work looks ok.... for a first time BH  ....................... you want to get much more from your dog ??  Then show the dog you are interested and put some animation into your walk. Left hand moving outside the dogs body and NOT inside to the right the dogs head ...................... and when you do have people you should report in to someone who is the judge .......................... and the biggest is what everyone else said with more people around on trial day it will be a differant environment for the dog ..........remember to animate yourself............. Nice work for a new handler !           

Melissa, as I said, Nero is looking very good...... but you can get so much more out of him. With what you show in the video you will pass the BH with no problem. The way to get him closer is to pep your energy up. Speed up a bit and walk like you are the king (ooops Queen) of the world, like you own it. This will draw him to you and make you both look more animated.

Remember that there are 3 speeds in the routine: normal, fast and slow. The change in it need to be seen in the dog foremost. Basically it isnt enough that you look like you are running if there is no difference seen in the speed of the dog itself. You guys will be fine!

my two cents worth, i agree with elkoorr about the change in speed and one thing to note, sometimes the finish he goes around you and  then other times he does a flip finish they must do one or the other not both, but i agree with everyone its a BH and you will be fine unless the nerves gets U :) walk with a bit more "go" yourself and your dog will aswell good luck and lets us know how you get on

First of all, you will do great for a BH, especially first time. Good work.

Down the road these are some suggestions for you to be cognizant of.
Your focus work needs to be better to get more attentive heeling. Right now it is a bit lackluster.
More like what you would see in akc obedience.
Do you use a ball or tug to train in ob? (hopefully yes)
As you have said, get more animated and reward your dog more often.
This will help keep your dog's head in the game.
You should also use it to get the dog amped up in to ob mode before you go on to the field.
Right now your dog is doing just a bit more than going through the motions because that is all you ask of it.
It looks like your dog has a lot more to offer you (this is a really good thing).

When you give the fuss/heel command wait a second or two and do not move until your dog is focused and looking up at you. It is much better if fuss/heel means at my side and at full attention than move forward. Your body movement (left leg going forward) should be the dog's cue to move forward.

Agree with the comments about the changes of pace. Your body moves faster and slower, but, the pace is staying the same.

The other thing that will help over all is this:
Let's say, for example that your goal was to pace at 30mph (obviously not for real, but as an example) in your normal heeling.
Your goal for slow then would be 15-20mph and your fast would be 40-45mph.
The biggest problem is that you are heeling at a pace of about 20-22mph all through the pattern.
It is okay for your BH, but, if you continue to train your dog this way a year from now it will be so bored with heeling in ob that it will be begging you to take up dock diving or some other sport.

When it comes to your about turns (first remember that you are heeling too slow at 20-22mph) you turn the after burners on through your about turns to about 80mph. This is really tough for the dog to keep up with. Your change from heeling a bit too slow to whipping through the about turn causes the dog to look down to make sure where it's feet are. (Remember, set your dog up to fail and it will, set your dog up to succeed and it surely will) Slow it down a bit and tap your left shoulder with your right hand as you go through your turns (both about and left turns) to keep your dog attentive and focused on you. (training only, not in a trial)
Go to about 1:35 of the video. You are heeling and then go in to a left turn and immediately in to a halt/sit.
This is also really unfair to do to the dog. Luckily, your dog does pull it off, but, then it looks like you make some sort of correction with the leash or your voice and the dog gets up and moves trying to correct his position when he was already correct. Your dog is getting mixed signals here. Make your left turn and go forward for two paces and then halt/sit. This gives your dog a chance to be correct every time.
I hope this helps and best of luck with your BH.

Wesenhund,

Nero has never gone around me to finish... it's always been the flip. He was never taught to go around. His left turns are not around, they flip as well. What you may have seen is
on the far stretch coming back for the down in motion I did a right about turn instead of the left. My field was not as large as I had hoped but that should have been a left probably.
Thank you!

Yes after watching it a few more times I have to agree that my walking needs a lot of work :) Maybe I need an ecollar (for me!)
because I don't know I'm doing it. I'll have to experiment with speeds (no dog needed for this part, lol) and just walk the pattern.

Melissa