Training a dog to FOCUS ON ME! (Distraction issue)
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Something else to think of is that if you haven't had a good base of attention work at home, taking her from a quite bland area that is easy to pay attention to only you (the home front) and then going to agility classes which is very high distraction with other dogs barking, running, etc - may be asking too much for attention. My 12 month old doberman was not ready for that sort of attention work, so I didn't ask for it - no sense in asking for something he cannot give at that time, that is just going to teach him to ignore me. I ended up being the constant tugger and doing a ton of other things during his off time, because he simply wasn't ready to sit there and offer me nice attention.
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Sorry for the double post, I also just wanted to ask..
Do you guys think Messina is too old to ever be able to compete in agility someday? Like on a more professional level with the big dogs? Or is she too old
Do you guys think Messina is too old to ever be able to compete in agility someday? Like on a more professional level with the big dogs? Or is she too old
So think positive!
Melanie and the gang in Alaska
T
Sorry for the double post, I also just wanted to ask..
Do you guys think Messina is too old to ever be able to compete in agility someday? Like on a more professional level with the big dogs? Or is she too old
Do you guys think Messina is too old to ever be able to compete in agility someday? Like on a more professional level with the big dogs? Or is she too old
Marq started agility training at 7 years old. He's now going to be 8 soon and this will be his first year of seriously competing.
But in the end, it doesn't matter how competitive your dog is. It is about having FUN with your dog.
My cocoa is going to be 8 as well and she's still competing. I have a dog that is at least 9 1/2 years old and she's still competing. And I know other dogs that are 12-14 years old and still competing.If the dog loves it, just do it. Don't worry about winning.
I'm late on this thread, but I just wanted to wish you guys luck!
And a dog is never too old to have fun with agility! I have no idea about competing but I can't see why not.
As for "attention", I did pretty much all of the techniques mentioned. Starting with the method Tessa mentioned, just waiting for eye contact than rewarding and eventually during certain activities I expect their attention the whole time, so when they weren't paying attention on leash I'd walk away, of course they got a little jerk, praise as soon as they were paying attention again.
I think once Messina realizes what's going on and what's expected of her, gets used to the whole situation, you'll see how quickly she understands that she has to keep her eyes on you at all times.
Good luck again!
PS- That was a great vid Tess
And a dog is never too old to have fun with agility! I have no idea about competing but I can't see why not.
As for "attention", I did pretty much all of the techniques mentioned. Starting with the method Tessa mentioned, just waiting for eye contact than rewarding and eventually during certain activities I expect their attention the whole time, so when they weren't paying attention on leash I'd walk away, of course they got a little jerk, praise as soon as they were paying attention again.
I think once Messina realizes what's going on and what's expected of her, gets used to the whole situation, you'll see how quickly she understands that she has to keep her eyes on you at all times.
Good luck again!
PS- That was a great vid Tess
Also late on this thread, but couldn't resist. I had a similar trouble with agility classes this year, so I know how frustrating it can be. I also got a little 'personality' from one instructor about breed (not pit bull v. the world, mutt v. purebred) so I also sympathize there.
My instructor, who was rather hard-core, ultimately suggested that I use every single thing I fed my dog as a 'watch me' reward. Every piece of kibble in all her meals. I have since read of some serious agility people who do this, so apparently it's accepted. I don't know how you'd feel about it, but it might be an idea if you really wanted to go on and weren't getting results in a milder way. I wasn't motivated to do it.
My instructor, who was rather hard-core, ultimately suggested that I use every single thing I fed my dog as a 'watch me' reward. Every piece of kibble in all her meals. I have since read of some serious agility people who do this, so apparently it's accepted. I don't know how you'd feel about it, but it might be an idea if you really wanted to go on and weren't getting results in a milder way. I wasn't motivated to do it.
Thank you for all your imput guys.
One more thing...if there is something that I disagree with my professor..for example, a command he wants to teach, or something he wants me to do which I think is working against me, can I tell him NO?
For example, he teaches DOWN by putting his hand in the air up high...and corrected me because I was tought by numerous instructors that the hand signal for down is to swing your hand in a DOWNward motion...that's what messina knows..and the instructor corrected me...but what the heck is the point of REteaching her something she's excellent at? She knows the signal, knows the command..who cares if the command consists of me picking my nose...can I just tell him that I'm comfortable with this and don't want to make a change?
Also..I ALSO forgot to mention that I spoke with a lady whose dog is 10 years old and had done agility for a very long time..now retired...she mentioned that if I want to get into agility I should do hip testing on Messina..I called the vet and its 200 bux! I don't mind paying...I love my dog and don't want any complications later on...but what is your guys' opinion on hip testing beforehand? Anyone did it here? What is the procedure like? (I might pay 100 bux less if Messina is calm enough not to go under anesthetic...I don't know why they would put the dog to sleep for the procedure, so I was curious)..
lol sorry for the long posts
One more thing...if there is something that I disagree with my professor..for example, a command he wants to teach, or something he wants me to do which I think is working against me, can I tell him NO?
For example, he teaches DOWN by putting his hand in the air up high...and corrected me because I was tought by numerous instructors that the hand signal for down is to swing your hand in a DOWNward motion...that's what messina knows..and the instructor corrected me...but what the heck is the point of REteaching her something she's excellent at? She knows the signal, knows the command..who cares if the command consists of me picking my nose...can I just tell him that I'm comfortable with this and don't want to make a change?
Also..I ALSO forgot to mention that I spoke with a lady whose dog is 10 years old and had done agility for a very long time..now retired...she mentioned that if I want to get into agility I should do hip testing on Messina..I called the vet and its 200 bux! I don't mind paying...I love my dog and don't want any complications later on...but what is your guys' opinion on hip testing beforehand? Anyone did it here? What is the procedure like? (I might pay 100 bux less if Messina is calm enough not to go under anesthetic...I don't know why they would put the dog to sleep for the procedure, so I was curious)..
lol sorry for the long posts
I think you always have the right to tell an instructor "no". Like you said, why re-teach somethign she knows. However, I would ask the instructor what are the advantages to doing it their way, and maybe it will make sense for your next dog someday.
My instructor teaches that "drop" means drop on your belly on the ground. But I taught my dog that "drop" means give me what is in your mouth. It made class a little confusing, but we got through it ok.
My instructor teaches that "drop" means drop on your belly on the ground. But I taught my dog that "drop" means give me what is in your mouth. It made class a little confusing, but we got through it ok.
This has been so helpful. It give me ideas to use to get my dogs attention during good citizenship classes. He barks at the other dogs and want to get at the other dogs to play. One dog at class is constantly watching his owner. I wondered how that is accomplished. I have lots of ideas to work on. Thanks.
Good luck Pitbulliest, and have fun!
Good luck Pitbulliest, and have fun!