Oh well, it happens to the best of us. Were you able to get a correction?
I just learned this straddle thing today..and it is working swell! I think that it is great because it also keeps that same drive for it...but you are able to control the anticipation..because you don't want to yell at the dog when they do go for the dumbbell, as that is the whole point is for them to go after it! The only thing that I am concerned about the leash thing, is that, what happens when the leash comes off? Dogs are smart and they can/do know when that leash is off. I've never used this technique before, but how do you phase off of the leash? I know this sounds really critical, but a leash is only a crutch..you use it twice in Novice and after that it comes off....JMHO!!!!!
Really the same thing could be said about the straddle....you certainly can't do that during the retrieve in the ring, and I think it's a lot more obvious when you remove the straddle than when you remove a leash.I just learned this straddle thing today..and it is working swell! I think that it is great because it also keeps that same drive for it...but you are able to control the anticipation..because you don't want to yell at the dog when they do go for the dumbbell, as that is the whole point is for them to go after it! The only thing that I am concerned about the leash thing, is that, what happens when the leash comes off? Dogs are smart and they can/do know when that leash is off. I've never used this technique before, but how do you phase off of the leash? I know this sounds really critical, but a leash is only a crutch..you use it twice in Novice and after that it comes off....JMHO!!!!!
Steph, I proof my dumbbell anticipation much in the same way. I say "wait", throw it, tell Layla to get back (360 left in place), or heel in a small circle, etc. Then I send.I've found that giving the dog something *else* to do rather than *go* works well to prevent self-releasing, while keeping the drive within the desire to anticipate. For example, when I do dumbbell work, 5/10 times, I'll ask him to do something else FIRST.... so, Sit, Wait, I throw it, *cue down*, dog downs, puase, reward pause, THEN I send for the dumbbell.
They're anticipating b/c it's a behavior chain. Mix up the links in the chain.
I find it works really well! I use the same idea for the broad jump. Wait --- I get in position to send over the jump---- down my dog ---- walk back to him --- praise, pet, leave --- then cue the jump. Or on the DOR.... only drop 1 out of 4 or so trials and make the rest straight recalls. Sometimes I call him, don't drop him and turn and run away! Or call to front and then give a down cue rather than the finish!Steph, I proof my dumbbell anticipation much in the same way. I say "wait", throw it, tell Layla to get back (360 left in place), or heel in a small circle, etc. Then I send.
I love playing games with training and I am happy that the games and proofing have really built up attitude and drive in Layla.I find it works really well! I use the same idea for the broad jump. Wait --- I get in position to send over the jump---- down my dog ---- walk back to him --- praise, pet, leave --- then cue the jump. Or on the DOR.... only drop 1 out of 4 or so trials and make the rest straight recalls. Sometimes I call him, don't drop him and turn and run away! Or call to front and then give a down cue rather than the finish!
I love keeping him on his toes!