So the biggest challenge I've had this week with Libbie is down (she hates lying down for some reason!) and left turns while heeling. I think we've conqured the downs. She's pretty consistent with it now. But left turns are MESSY! I was looking for some ideas on You Tube. What do you guys think of this video. Does anyone have any tips?

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Liberty - 10 months




Kim - Mommy to fur-baby Liberty and 2 human daughters 12 and 14 years old

I don't know what other people think about this video but I love it! I'm going to incorporate that into Bentley's training today! Thanks for sharing ♥

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Rear end awareness is very fun to teach. Every time I take out the pedestal Molly immediately puts her front paws on it and waits for me. She loves it. It was key in teaching her the rally side step along with left turns/pivots/360s etc.

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What do you use for a pedestal? Did you buy something? I used a book like they showed in the video, but it was sliding.

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Liberty - 10 months




Kim - Mommy to fur-baby Liberty and 2 human daughters 12 and 14 years old

Zoe used to display reluctance on the downs also. I couldn't understand why she'd do it fine at home but was refusing in class. Once a dog learns something like "down' in a familiar place , there's further learning they have to do to transfer that skill in other settings. Down is a very submissive position and if the dog feels uncomfortable or threatened it won't want to down. I've also noticed that certain surfaces . . . rubber matting or places where a lot of dogs have been may cause reluctance. Just keep practicing it in lots of different places.

The technique in the video with the dog putting it's front paws on a book or pot and learning to move it's rear around is one I've seen in other videos and I guess lots of people use it. It does seem to encourage precision. We've just used an in formal version of the smaller and smaller arc.

I tried the pivot thing using an large thick paperback catalog covered with duct tape. It didn't move around but Zoe wasn't interested in putting her feet on it.

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Zoe, Rockwall Nantucket Breeze, BN, CGC, Delta therapy dog
Zeke, our introduction to the world of Golden Retrievers

Well she's been practicing a lot this week and she seems to have it perfected at home. We'll see what happens in class. The training centre does have a ton of dogs training as well as daycare dogs in that arena at times. So I'm sure there are lots of doggie smells.

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Liberty - 10 months




Kim - Mommy to fur-baby Liberty and 2 human daughters 12 and 14 years old

I use a ceramic dog bowl. I have carpet so it doesn't slide when Molly is on it. She was sliding on books too.

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What is your problem with lefts right now?

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Always loved, never forgotten, all our previous boys -

I don't really know how to explain it. It's just a mess. She's watching me fine, but as I turn to the left she's not turning with me. She kinda lunges at the treat in my hand, bucks around and I run into her. She's just not turning. Maybe I should train on leash and sort of guide her with the leash? I'm trying it off leash right now. Any suggestions? I'm sure we'll be working on this at class tomorrow

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Liberty - 10 months




Kim - Mommy to fur-baby Liberty and 2 human daughters 12 and 14 years old

I'd be guided by your instructor but we always were on leash for beginner rally.

One more thought on downs. Try going early to class and doing a couple quick downs before class starts. Might help.

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Zoe, Rockwall Nantucket Breeze, BN, CGC, Delta therapy dog
Zeke, our introduction to the world of Golden Retrievers