HURRAY!
Absolutely perfect post showing how a dog's confidence can grow with positive reinforcement. Plus, it's fun.
We're on our third or fourth lesson with the new instructor and Linus is doing great! We're still back to working on fundamentals right now, but each lesson we try an exercise to see how much it has improved while just practicing with games, and it's pretty amazing! We're learning so much and most importantly, Linus has gone from being worried and over-thinking things, to being forward and confident and having fun while performing correctly and with a bit more pizzazz. I always felt like his performances were flat. You know, like he's going through the motions, not actively engaging with me.
She's a big Denise Fenzi follower, which works well with Linus. Corrections are with treats and while I was skeptical, it's working! I use his collar to guide him and bonk his nose with a treat while repeating the command. Well, it's not that simple, actually. Anyway, it works and I no longer have a dog who is extremely apologetic when he messes up.
The only problem I have is practicing. I'm so used to structured classes each week versus occasional lessons. I need to work on that, especially if I want to get his CD next summer. He's close to being read for his WC which is in May or June. He's a water retrieving maniac but is a little distracted on land. Once he remembers to get the duck, he's good, but there's just so much to see and smell (and pee on!) on the way there!
HURRAY!
Absolutely perfect post showing how a dog's confidence can grow with positive reinforcement. Plus, it's fun.
Go Linus!!! Well done!
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