I figured I might as well jump in somewhere otherwise I might just end up lurking lol.
I have a brittany that I am training to compete in AKC obedience. We have been doing really well with the minor setback of me learning that it is a rule to have either your left arm at your waist or both arms at your sides. (I always did this backwards with my right arm at my waist. I don't know why lol.) I always wondered why the exhibitors usually had their left arms at their waist...Anyways then began the process of re-training my dog and what was infinitely harder; myself. I think we are finally getting it though.
These are basically questions on how to correct a behavior and proper ring procedure.
PUsually I hold the leash and the treats in my left hand and toss them down at him while heeling when he is looking at me or right after we halt and he sits. Recently he has begun to sit slightly turned so he is facing me at my side. I know this is not correct, but short of holding the treat right in front of his nose I'm not sure how to fix it.
I have entertained the idea that maybe he feels if he angles his body he has a better chance of catching the treat but I'm only speculating there. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Once in a while he also heels wide. Once again I thought maybe this was because he wants to have more distance in order to catch the treat. We are doing better with this issue though.
On the flip finish-My beagle does one fine, my britt is taking a little longer to catch on but that's okay. I was wondering; after you do the hand signal and your dog is on it's way to the heel posistion is it okay for you to put your left hand back at your waist or does it have to remain at your side? I'm hoping for the former because me putting my hand at my waist gets my dog to sit faster.
Also is it okay to say your verbal command while doing the hand signal? I usuallly say "swing" and do the motion.
Thank you to anyone who has any advice at all. It's greatly appreciated.
I have a brittany that I am training to compete in AKC obedience. We have been doing really well with the minor setback of me learning that it is a rule to have either your left arm at your waist or both arms at your sides. (I always did this backwards with my right arm at my waist. I don't know why lol.) I always wondered why the exhibitors usually had their left arms at their waist...Anyways then began the process of re-training my dog and what was infinitely harder; myself. I think we are finally getting it though.
These are basically questions on how to correct a behavior and proper ring procedure.
PUsually I hold the leash and the treats in my left hand and toss them down at him while heeling when he is looking at me or right after we halt and he sits. Recently he has begun to sit slightly turned so he is facing me at my side. I know this is not correct, but short of holding the treat right in front of his nose I'm not sure how to fix it.
I have entertained the idea that maybe he feels if he angles his body he has a better chance of catching the treat but I'm only speculating there. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Once in a while he also heels wide. Once again I thought maybe this was because he wants to have more distance in order to catch the treat. We are doing better with this issue though.
On the flip finish-My beagle does one fine, my britt is taking a little longer to catch on but that's okay. I was wondering; after you do the hand signal and your dog is on it's way to the heel posistion is it okay for you to put your left hand back at your waist or does it have to remain at your side? I'm hoping for the former because me putting my hand at my waist gets my dog to sit faster.
Also is it okay to say your verbal command while doing the hand signal? I usuallly say "swing" and do the motion.
Thank you to anyone who has any advice at all. It's greatly appreciated.