All the little things...and a glass more than half full

[kimbersmom]

Labs are amazing. When we used to train for agility, it was obvious that I was the one who really needed the training. I thought I was giving the right signals, but the trainer would point out that my shoulder was shifted just so or I swung my arm at a slightly different degree, causing Kimber to go in a different direction than intended. It was astonishing to realize how she cued in to the smallest body movements from me.

Equally astonishing is that DH could run her through a course without knowing any of the hand signals or signs. He'd just kind of gesture and she'd know what he wanted. If I made that same gesture, she would've been confused but with him, she did it. It was humorous and a little frustrating for me!

[Annette47]

It’s funny that you posted this when you did, because I just had a lesson with the puppies and we were working on the beginnings of heeling a figure 8 (teaching them to swing their rears backwards when I turn towards the inside and to hurry forward when I turn towards the outside) and I commented to my trainer that I’m so used to Chloe who “just knows” how to heel a figure 8 that I’d forgotten how much goes into it!

[Labradorks]

It’s funny that you posted this when you did, because I just had a lesson with the puppies and we were working on the beginnings of heeling a figure 8 (teaching them to swing their rears backwards when I turn towards the inside and to hurry forward when I turn towards the outside) and I commented to my trainer that I’m so used to Chloe who “just knows” how to heel a figure 8 that I’d forgotten how much goes into it!

Sometimes I'm like, "What the hell! It's just walking!" Of course, I know that's not true, but still!!!

[Tanya]

Excellent point! things that "seem" easy often really are not.

Labs are amazing. When we used to train for agility, it was obvious that I was the one who really needed the training. I thought I was giving the right signals, but the trainer would point out that my shoulder was shifted just so or I swung my arm at a slightly different degree, causing Kimber to go in a different direction than intended. It was astonishing to realize how she cued in to the smallest body movements from me.

Equally astonishing is that DH could run her through a course without knowing any of the hand signals or signs. He'd just kind of gesture and she'd know what he wanted. If I made that same gesture, she would've been confused but with him, she did it. It was humorous and a little frustrating for me!

haha yes the biggest issue in agility is me. Pen would be miles ahead with a "seasoned handler" but it's about learning together and bonding right haha. I'm having a harder time "learning all the things" then Penny is haha.
Go figure for the DH though! haha

[barry581]

Pen would be miles ahead with a "seasoned handler" but it's about learning together and bonding right haha. I'm having a harder time "learning all the things" then Penny is haha.

I feel exactly the same way with my adventures with Bruce. The is no doubt in my mind that I am the weak link in the team. At Obedience train last night I was having a lot of problems with direction changes, making us look horrible, and the trainer called us out. I actually had to have her stop class, take Bruce and call commands to me walking by myself. The foot work for Ob is no joke. Having spent 22 years in the military and the ingrained habit of stepping off with my left foot, with a TI calling the commands on the correct foot, makes it extremely difficult for me to make adjustments when a command is called on the wrong foot.

I'm going to really work hard on this, and hopefully, we'll get it.

[Labradorks]

I feel exactly the same way with my adventures with Bruce. The is no doubt in my mind that I am the weak link in the team. At Obedience train last night I was having a lot of problems with direction changes, making us look horrible, and the trainer called us out. I actually had to have her stop class, take Bruce and call commands to me walking by myself. The foot work for Ob is no joke. Having spent 22 years in the military and the ingrained habit of stepping off with my left foot, with a TI calling the commands on the correct foot, makes it extremely difficult for me to make adjustments when a command is called on the wrong foot.

I'm going to really work hard on this, and hopefully, we'll get it.

When I go to matches I purchase a run just for me and my "invisible perfect dog" and I have private lessons that focus on footwork. I also practice my footwork around the office. Between my desk and the bathroom or kitchen or conference rooms. When I train with friends I have them call the heeling pattern for me and when I'm comfortable, I'll ask them to yell it at me, say it quietly, or just be a little weird, etc. Proofing...just without the dog. It's hard!

[Annette47]

My footwork’s actually pretty good most of the time these days (YEARS of practice, lol) except that I’ve developed arthritis in my big toe which makes it hard to push off properly, so I’m learning to adjust to that.

I used to practice “heeling” in the hallways at work when no one was there, in the supermarket, etc.

And Barry - if the judge calls a command when you are on the wrong foot, just take another step so you’re on the right foot before you obey it - as long as you aren’t going more than a step or two it won’t be penalized.

[Tanya]

I feel exactly the same way with my adventures with Bruce. The is no doubt in my mind that I am the weak link in the team. At Obedience train last night I was having a lot of problems with direction changes, making us look horrible, and the trainer called us out. I actually had to have her stop class, take Bruce and call commands to me walking by myself. The foot work for Ob is no joke. Having spent 22 years in the military and the ingrained habit of stepping off with my left foot, with a TI calling the commands on the correct foot, makes it extremely difficult for me to make adjustments when a command is called on the wrong foot.

I'm going to really work hard on this, and hopefully, we'll get it.

wow! I didn't realized obedience was as bad (worse?) than agility! I'm not coordinated enough for all this haha.

Very interesting to hear people take classes for footwork only (must be awkward with no dog!)

I am having a very hard time with post turns and the other turns. My brain goes blank during a run haha. Practice practice practice