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For the 2nd time since I got Hope I took her out for some field work( I have had her just over a year). She did so well. She has her JH title but we live in the city & we don't get out for field work much. It's thrilling for me. Our teacher said we were a good team & gave me lots of praise for her obedience. Here is what I noticed: she is fairly high strung, but when she was working she was calm ~ like business as usual. Is that normal?
Attachment 4317
wow, look at her! she looks VERY pleased to be holding that duck!
I'd call that "focused" - she knows what the rules are, and is very comfortable operating within those rules, and is therefore able to totally concentrate on what she knows she is expected to do.
Its fun, isnt it, watching them do what they're bred for! Can you try and get out on a more regular (like weekly with the group and trainer you're working with?) basis with her? i bet it helps strengthen your bond with each other, and helps you and her work thru some of the other things together even better.
Oh look at your big Labbie: reminds me of my old Maxxie. I did find it very interesting how she was much more calm than she normally is. I took her from being an out dog kennel dog at a breeders to the city. I think I am really starting to "get her". and yes I have some contacts to do more with her. They have hunt tests coming up so I will do that. thanks for the encouragement.
She knows what her calling really is... DUCKS! FEATHERS!
Our Labs have an innate / self driven desire to work. I believe that when given the opportunity to regularly fulfill this purpose, it helps in bringing an overall calm to the individual dog and in minimizing behavioral problems that might present themselves absent such energy outlet.
Irishwhistler
what do you daily to keep them busy? We walk, I throw the ball for her quite a bit, we do obedience stuff but I would like to do something more stimulating.Quote:
Originally Posted by IRISHWISTLER
When I cannot go out with the group, I work on line behavior. That's our holy grail right now. When working alone, I'm limited to bumpers. HOWEVER... I can get her juices going and make her really want to break just by throwing multiple pretty bright white bumpers.
There is nothing like training with birds and with a good group of people in a variety of terrain and conditions. But one does what one can.
I train for both hunting (waterfowl and upland birds) gundog work and for hunt tests, so lots of field related training on both land and water. Focus of training varies with time of year and climatic conditions as we live and train in northern latitudes. We hunt and test in the rain and snow so we also train under those conditions. Every day is a training day. Every session I do starts with a "bolding walk" during which dogs can burn off excess energy while getting exposure to birds, various cover types, water, obstacles, and while building self confidence while doing so. Motivation is kept high and dogs learn through strategically planned success based training model.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alix B
Cheers,
Irishwhistler
I love her happy face, what a good picture! I am so glad you are having fun with her!