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by hutch on 07 June 2010 - 21:06
There is an exciting new era in the UK with breed "shows" under sv rules are beginning to be introduced. Obviously, this gives UK breeders and exhibitors new challenges.
One of those is off lead gaiting.
Obviously, as the dogs we are showing gain their working qualifications, they learn to respond to the control of their handler but what I would like to know is how trainers / clubs / exhibitors in other countries train for off lead gaiting.
How do you make the transition from fast heelwork under control in a one to one working environment to gaiting off lead in groups of several animals - probably at a faster pace than used for working.
What age do you start this training?
Do you start with youngsters on loose leads?
I would be really grateful for input and opinions on this.
Thanks, Shirley Hutchinson
by eve127 on 08 June 2010 - 05:06
i would not start with this before your dog really knows how to heel correctly. otherwise it would be necessary to correct him quite hard which is not so good cause the dog should have fun!
then you can start gaiting with your dog on loose lead. just give the commant and start running (you should try that and make the dog get used to it in a calm environment) if he/she goes to fast, just pull back a little and give the command a little harder.
you can also use a ball so that the dog will look up to you. if the focus is on you, it should be no problem to start gaiting in a group of dogs. your dog might be used to showtraining and being with other dogs in a ring anyway!
of course, the dog should be on lead at first, if this really works put it off. sometimes the dog doesn't even realize if the focus is on the ball. however, you must try to prevent the dog from jumping etc because then he won't gait correctly. the thing with the ball is just a suggestion, if your dog's drive is too high, it might not work.
hope this will help you,
kind regards, eva
by hutch on 08 June 2010 - 08:06
I had thought that the starting place would be on lead! You have given me some good ideas.
Off lead gaiting is something that I often train with my dogs and I don't find it to difficult in a one to one environment. I normally jump in the ring at the end of our normal training class and take them round.
I am really interested to know how you move from this to training with a group of dogs. I am guessing the answer is the same - on lead until you have certainty - but all advice, tips and opinions are welcome.
Shirley
by eve127 on 08 June 2010 - 10:06
yes, that's true, start on lead and then off. and keep a larger distance to the dog which is in front of you and tell the person who is behind you to keep a little distance too! wish you all the best for you and your dog(s) !!!
by GSDUK on 08 June 2010 - 18:06
Whilst I do not do "Show" with my dog(s), I do compete in UK KC Open and Championship Obedience Shows.....Here is what I hope is the helpful bit...
Everything I train my dog(s) is trained ON lead. The reason for this is that whilst ON lead, the dog cannot get something wrong as I can very easily prasie the dog when right adjust the dogs position if almost right or if necessary use a correction if the dog takes the mickey to ensure that the dog quickly understands what is right and wrong. With gently encouragement, the dog starts to get things right more and more often, learns what is wrong and so performs the "right" much more often until "right" is constant and praise is 100% while correction is reduced to 0%.
In the case of Heelwork, whatever the pace, when you no longer have to do any kind of adjusting or correcting and you spend the whole time praisdng, the lead becomes irrelevant and you can unclip it as what you have trained has become "learned" and the dog will perform the action everytime.
Hope that helps.
Dave
by hutch on 09 June 2010 - 08:06
The ideas are coming together now with a very common thread - train for off lead gaiting ON LEAD!
Your input is much appreciated.
Shirley
by GSDUK on 10 June 2010 - 12:06
:)
Dave
by Aileen Ann Mathieson on 10 June 2010 - 12:06
Hi Shirley,
We have been doing off lead gaiting at our Training Club for quite a long time now, at least 2 years. Most of the time my husband Jim does that with our own dog and a number of other dogs - most of the ones he handles in the ring anyway and it is as if they trust him completely.
We use the lead to start with and let them move slowly alongside the handler facing inside the ring of course towards the judge. Then whenever Jim feels they are ready he takes off the lead and uses only the collar holding onto the ring with one finger so he can correct gently if need be. Once he and the dog feel they are ready he lets the collar go, but always keeps it on of course and then each week he can speed up a bit until he gets the pace for the dog just correct.
However, we have not done a group of dogs in the ring togethe as never enough handlers for this at our small Training Club, but as others have said once it is practiced often the dog will know exactly what is required of it.
Occasionally, when we first started this a dog would try to run off to its owner, but just gently coax it back into the ring and try again - not pushing too hard at first and not forced to continue that day, just do it again another week.
Its amazing watching it done.
We would love to see the younger Classes being allowed to do this as our young dog has been doing this since he was 1 year old, so I think the Regionals should allow off lead gaiting with dogs from Junior upwards, perhaps allowing the Juniors to do it after judging just to demonstrate to the spectators and then in Yearling if the dog is well trained and can do it you should have the option. Maybe put this in the Entry Form in the future to state your dog would like to do one round off lead with its handler or owner.
I would be so proud to see our young boy doing this at a Regional orSieger and not have to wait until Adult Class.
Hope this helps.
Aileen
by hutch on 10 June 2010 - 12:06
Like the idea about introducing this in younger classes too - I'd be up for it!!
Cheers, Shirley
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