Trouble with focus and the independant dog - Page 2

What does SHE like to do? Am I guessing her age right at 6? Not that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, the time to bond with someone tight for the competition you want from her just isn't there anymore. Ive had more than my share of dogs that for whatever reason didnt think humans were around for any more than a meal. I personally didnt waste my time on them and placed them into a pet home. And from Kaffirdog stated, your trying to change genetics. Hard uphill battle. Have you considered that maybe she would do best in a pet home?

Geena likes to track. She's a lean mean tracking machine LOL. I've thought about placing her, but her
personality is difficult. She is too much dog for the *average* pet home. She likes protection as well...
it's just ob that I'm having trouble with.

There's a saying I've been living by for a long time... train the dog you have and not the dog you wish
you had.

Uphill battle or not, I'll give it my best and see how it turns out. It's good to know the genetics have a
lot to do with it. I still want to keep trying.. I'm no quitter.

I did have an idea, and I'll let you guys know tomorrow if it works ;)

Melissa

Well?........[tapping foot on floor]

We're waiting.....what was your idea, and did it work????

Honestly I haven't had time to try my idea LOL Sorry to leave ya hanging :) My idea was to take a small section of
garden hose to use as her reward since she is absolutely obsessed with the hose and water.

I believe I have figured out some of her problem and it's not necessarily her. I'm freaking boring LOL! I've upped
drive work with the flirt pole and have become her "cheering squad" and so far she's a completely different dog.
Fun fun fun even if I feel like an absolute moron. I've had good focus at a run which I have NEVER had before with
her, good sit in motion though I would like it to eventually be a bit faster I'm not complaining, awesome right turn
no lagging, still teaching the sch about turn so won't pass judgement as of yet, very fast military finish which was
very pathetic before and is now for the most part a jump in air and turn at the same time. I know that is what it
is supposed to look like. She has an all around better attitude toward training so far. I've ended each training
session with more ball/flirt pole drive work. Also, I've started doing more drive work out and about while I run
errands.

I'm hoping the improvement continues and she eventually gets to a point that I don't have to act like it's Geena
party time as much.

If there is anything anyone would like to add, please do :)

Melissa

Forget about training and concentrate on having fun and building a relationship/bond with the dog.
This may be hard with her extended kennel time and you trying to train two other dogs at the same time.
If she doesn't work out for you. I'd think a rehome to a an experienced handler and no other dogs,
NOT a pet home.

Thomas Barriano
Dubheasa Germania (11/05/99-08/11/08) SchH III M R Brevet AKC WD III AWD 1 STP 1 CD WAC TT
Ascomannis Jago (06/20/03) SchH III AKC WD III AWD I TT WAC
Belatucadrus (08/14/05) DS BH TT MR I
Flannchadh von der Bavarianburg (5/21/08) BH STP I

Melissa, all I have to add to this discussion is my sincere admiration of you for not just tossing this girl aside, as has clearly been done with her up until now.  One of the many reasons I could never be a 'top competitor' in any dog sport is because I could never bring myself to 'wash out' a dog I'd brought into my life for any reason.

I think it's beyond commendable that you're working to figure out how to communicate with her...

"Whoever can find the answer to the question "How shall I say this to my dog?" has won the game and can develop from his animal whatever he likes."
                                                                                                                                                                                --von Stephanitz, Chapter Six, "Schooling and Training", The German Shepherd in Word & Picture

Hexe, that is my absolute favorite quote :)

I will never be a top competitor (that I can forsee as of now, anyways). I feel like she has been tossed around so many times,
that it would not be fair to her to just give up. I'm no quitter and I can see that spark occasionally when we are working that
makes me believe she CAN do it and WANTS to do it, there's just something I haven't figured out yet. When she is focused,
it's a thing of beauty, there is a sparkle in her eyes, ears very high, tail wagging in time with her footsteps and I believe that
if I can figure her out, oh I don't know how to put into words what I am trying to say. When she's at her best it's like watching
dressage, or for the guys, like watching an intricate piece of machinery. Poetry in motion.

I'm in no hurry, and every dog should teach you something.

Cera has taught me to get my darn hands out of the way faster LOL, Nero was SO easy I think he spoiled and tricked me, Deuce,
the boy I donated to my very good PO friend at Transylvania Co So when his dog was unexpectedly retired due to PF taught me
patinece and I believe Geena is teaching me to be creative, don't forget to have fun and that all dogs are different.

Anyways, I need to post up some video. Thank you!

Melissa