So I didn't get home till close to 3am not totally my fault it would have been sooner if not for my phone dying at my friends party so I had to wait to get to another friends house and charge it. Finally my friend Sammy came and picked me up with John, Robert, Nick, and Victoria. We then proceeded to goto Sammy's house and watch a movie I ended up falling asleep through it. Any who back to the point Ellie really liked the Pheasant so thats good I think I might have trouble getting rid of all this meat or maybe not and I didn't realize 5lbs and only eating 1/4lb twice a week is a lot haha. Ellie pretty much slept in my bed while I proceeded to sing a few songs before being infatuated with a historic documentary called Bloodline I'll tell you about that later.
Ellie and I finally got our lazy butts out of bed and went out side to some retrieve work. It went pretty well I only had to correct her once. We put it on the side walk then in the grass and then the street. It was pretty dead so I didn't have any real distractions I'm hoping when my friend Mark and I hang out he can he a tool in our training. I am more then likely going to be practicing my pace changes and about turns without Ellie today so I can have them down. I try to think of it as remembering dance steps perfecting them so they are the exact same over and over. In other words I'm a visual, physical, and memorization learner. We did finishes those are getting better every day.
Oh good news after months and months of deciding I've officially chosen the Brittany Spaniel as my first dog. I plan to get it summer of my junior year so I can spend all summer working on socialization and what not.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Progress is better then nothing
So today wasn't the most productive day. I had a final interview at Hooters to see if I would be hired or not. So I had to figure out a plan on working Lillith, Max, and Ellie. Lillith wasn't to bad we pretty much did Open work minus the retrieve being as her owners never bothered to teach her. It would have been more productive if the high jump was available haha. I did the broad jump and began the bar jump both her successful. Lillith and I worked on run thrus while waiting its slowly occurring to her that I'm way funner to work with then her owners. Max and I did a bit of work not as much as I would have liked but its better then nothing at all. His sits are getting better and better every day. He is one smart pup not like any Shih Tzu I've heard of Eric should be proud ^_^. Ellie and I only managed to work on her retrieve and finishes. I need to figure out what to do about her fronts on the recall because on everything else she is okay but when I do a recall she shoots straight to me then all of a sudden she starts swerving to the right and I see it and I tried signs but all I can do is block her and lead her to front. I'm going to try this idea Sam had, make a open tunnel and call her through it. That I hope solves the problem because its one less thing to worry about. Our pace changes need work the normal and slow are okay but fast is crap all she is doing is a fast walk. I know how to fix it but her ecollar is dead so all I can do is leg corrections its working a little but not enough to get my point across. I know she is trying her best to please me I just wish we had some telepathy or canine human ESP so I can figure out what the hell is going through her head. Our jumps are getting better I'm hoping to get this perfected by the end of August. Ellie did very well in her retrieve work in the semi tall grass I say semi because was tall enough that she could see the dumbbell but still made her really look for it. I think she enjoys the work at the end of the day now because if were in sync then she wants to be as good as Rugby :) gotta love the little troupers haha.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Returning Trainer
The first dog I worked was Max all we did yesterday was lunge line work and random recall. I wanted to start with that first because even though a dog knowing how to sit and heel properly is great and all. However, it should know its name when called back every time haha. It is apparent that he is one of the rare Shih Tzu's that aren't little nasty's. I praise his owner for picking him because he is a smart pup its a pity he isn't a bit stupid by that I mean go chase after big dogs. I'm starting the verbal sit today I think he'll catch on after 2 or 3 days.
Next, I did Ellie we first worked on her retrieve which she is getting better at I made her retrieve it on 3 different types of surface. I didn't try grass because I didn't know what Margot considered unfair its always a 50% of me doing what I know right so I skipped grass fearing a future failure was on the other side. our fronts are getting better she is starting to realize she can't just go straight to the side behind me. Our pace changes need some work not a lot of focus but its how finishes that I have to focus on as well. Its not that she isn't do it but there not straight or she will be to far ahead or to far back. All and all I think we'll be okay June 6th for the show & go or at least I hope we are.
Lillith and I had a break through it finally occured to her that she needs to not be sloppy and pay attention to the handler working her. This applies to Jasmin who I also worked as well. Lillith oh gawd what can I say about how infuriated I get when I realize that we always have to do the same thing over and over again. I want to progress forward to more then just basic obedience I want her to do Novice work maybe even Open if her owner took the time! Sadly you can't have everything you want gotta work with the cards that were dealt. She isn't stupid on top of that like if I could redirect all that energy she spends on annoying some of the dogs she could be fantastic!
Speaking of Jasmin I've decided my plan with her is to do open work every time she comes. I was doing the broad jumps with her before and that was it. This is why I think I didn't feel like I accomplished anything after we did it. So then I thought no I have to do something like she doesn't feel brain dead or tired every time we finished the jumps. So I decided that she is going to be pretending to prep for an open obedience show. I mean to be the best you have to do your best watch the competition and then...do better :)
Lastly, I worked Pascal I need a plan with him because part of me feels like its a lost cause. Like my whole thing with him right now all I want is a focused dog that when I say come doesn't jump 5ft in the air to lick my face. I want him to sit when I tell him and down when I tell him and stay and don't move. I can do this but in all honesty it won't happen in 2 days. So I have to do the best that I can with the time given to me. So I'm going to treat it like he doesn't know what this is and I'm going to fit him into Max's schedule of training because his heeling is atrocious his sits are horrible but he is a positive at least he knows his name haha.
I worked five dogs yesterday in one day I'm pretty sure I've never done that before. I usually have 1-3 dogs in one day. My theory for taking on that many in a day is probably my need to want to get a CD on Ellie before she becomes an old fart. So were practicing everyday or that's what we were doing before my step father decided that he knew more about dog training then I do. By that I mean oh yeah bring her every other weekend so that way you miss a day and a half worth of training time. Oh, and here is the best part four weeks before the actual competition she can come everyday because during those 6 days of not working on fronts, finishes, and off lead work it will magically get fixed four weeks in advanced to perfection. I just don't think they understand I really feel like this is to much for there minds to wrap around and comprehend what I do and what is important to be able to have to be a good dog trainer. I won't lie I envy Sam for two reasons no more no less. Her family is very supportive of her and Rugby especially when she and him goto shows. Another reason is because she has a license and car I have neither thats the giant metaphorical hump in the road thats been preventing me from going to the next level as a trainer. So I had to find a solution Thursday night after class at Fido's I had a serious debate with my mom. I say debate because it was an educated argument of a clearly obvious flaw in them both. I had a valid point every single time so she couldn't do anything in other words I was right they made so much effort to watch me play sports I didn't even like but I would do them reluctantly. Yet, they can't take the time to goto shows this she retaliated with "you don't even go to shows" I then replied I would have put a CD on a dog many times over if it weren't for you YOU WOULD NEVER LET ME GO! long story short I got my point across. Not fully but it pretty much said if you really wanted to support me then maybe you should drive me there and stay to watch. This whole debate solved a 5 year problem that had been subsiding under the surface of secrecy. I personally think I'm making progress showing to them that I have a working brain that will continuously be making my functioning body more and more capable of progressive work not being a conformist of ignorant democrats that think Obama is the savior of this nation.
Next, I did Ellie we first worked on her retrieve which she is getting better at I made her retrieve it on 3 different types of surface. I didn't try grass because I didn't know what Margot considered unfair its always a 50% of me doing what I know right so I skipped grass fearing a future failure was on the other side. our fronts are getting better she is starting to realize she can't just go straight to the side behind me. Our pace changes need some work not a lot of focus but its how finishes that I have to focus on as well. Its not that she isn't do it but there not straight or she will be to far ahead or to far back. All and all I think we'll be okay June 6th for the show & go or at least I hope we are.
Lillith and I had a break through it finally occured to her that she needs to not be sloppy and pay attention to the handler working her. This applies to Jasmin who I also worked as well. Lillith oh gawd what can I say about how infuriated I get when I realize that we always have to do the same thing over and over again. I want to progress forward to more then just basic obedience I want her to do Novice work maybe even Open if her owner took the time! Sadly you can't have everything you want gotta work with the cards that were dealt. She isn't stupid on top of that like if I could redirect all that energy she spends on annoying some of the dogs she could be fantastic!
Speaking of Jasmin I've decided my plan with her is to do open work every time she comes. I was doing the broad jumps with her before and that was it. This is why I think I didn't feel like I accomplished anything after we did it. So then I thought no I have to do something like she doesn't feel brain dead or tired every time we finished the jumps. So I decided that she is going to be pretending to prep for an open obedience show. I mean to be the best you have to do your best watch the competition and then...do better :)
Lastly, I worked Pascal I need a plan with him because part of me feels like its a lost cause. Like my whole thing with him right now all I want is a focused dog that when I say come doesn't jump 5ft in the air to lick my face. I want him to sit when I tell him and down when I tell him and stay and don't move. I can do this but in all honesty it won't happen in 2 days. So I have to do the best that I can with the time given to me. So I'm going to treat it like he doesn't know what this is and I'm going to fit him into Max's schedule of training because his heeling is atrocious his sits are horrible but he is a positive at least he knows his name haha.
I worked five dogs yesterday in one day I'm pretty sure I've never done that before. I usually have 1-3 dogs in one day. My theory for taking on that many in a day is probably my need to want to get a CD on Ellie before she becomes an old fart. So were practicing everyday or that's what we were doing before my step father decided that he knew more about dog training then I do. By that I mean oh yeah bring her every other weekend so that way you miss a day and a half worth of training time. Oh, and here is the best part four weeks before the actual competition she can come everyday because during those 6 days of not working on fronts, finishes, and off lead work it will magically get fixed four weeks in advanced to perfection. I just don't think they understand I really feel like this is to much for there minds to wrap around and comprehend what I do and what is important to be able to have to be a good dog trainer. I won't lie I envy Sam for two reasons no more no less. Her family is very supportive of her and Rugby especially when she and him goto shows. Another reason is because she has a license and car I have neither thats the giant metaphorical hump in the road thats been preventing me from going to the next level as a trainer. So I had to find a solution Thursday night after class at Fido's I had a serious debate with my mom. I say debate because it was an educated argument of a clearly obvious flaw in them both. I had a valid point every single time so she couldn't do anything in other words I was right they made so much effort to watch me play sports I didn't even like but I would do them reluctantly. Yet, they can't take the time to goto shows this she retaliated with "you don't even go to shows" I then replied I would have put a CD on a dog many times over if it weren't for you YOU WOULD NEVER LET ME GO! long story short I got my point across. Not fully but it pretty much said if you really wanted to support me then maybe you should drive me there and stay to watch. This whole debate solved a 5 year problem that had been subsiding under the surface of secrecy. I personally think I'm making progress showing to them that I have a working brain that will continuously be making my functioning body more and more capable of progressive work not being a conformist of ignorant democrats that think Obama is the savior of this nation.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
First Dog + First Show= A new experience
Sooooo at the moment Ellie and I are prepping for the show and go. I bathed and combed her out last night when I got back home I did a bit of recall and off lead. I did a little this morning too. I hope when we get to Margot's we can fix a bit more. Unfortunately Ellie and I were unable to attend. This however isn't a total loss we have 3 weeks till the next show & go so we have time to work on our fronts and off lead work. I even took th opportunity to work Trevor, German Shepard, and the new board and train the new Shih Tzu puppy Max.
Trevor and I have been working for three days straight. I do the basic work like down and sit stays, stand, heeling, and recall. He got a lot better during the three days. It's just a pity that when he goes back home were gonna have to start all over again because well lets face it HIS OWNERS ARE NUTS. but its whatever I mean its not like I have a problem with it.
Max looks like a Ewok which is that bear thing in the suit in the movie Star Wars haha. No I'm not a Star Wars fan just have a good memory when it comes to physical features haha. I told his owner Eric the same thing he knew immediately what I was talking about haha Margot, Eric, and I had a short laugh about it. Max really is a cutie which is why I said jokingly "Uh oh, Rugby has competition" this is hard to seem because Rugby looks so cute when he works. So all Max and I did was the long down and longe line work.
Trevor and I have been working for three days straight. I do the basic work like down and sit stays, stand, heeling, and recall. He got a lot better during the three days. It's just a pity that when he goes back home were gonna have to start all over again because well lets face it HIS OWNERS ARE NUTS. but its whatever I mean its not like I have a problem with it.
Max looks like a Ewok which is that bear thing in the suit in the movie Star Wars haha. No I'm not a Star Wars fan just have a good memory when it comes to physical features haha. I told his owner Eric the same thing he knew immediately what I was talking about haha Margot, Eric, and I had a short laugh about it. Max really is a cutie which is why I said jokingly "Uh oh, Rugby has competition" this is hard to seem because Rugby looks so cute when he works. So all Max and I did was the long down and longe line work.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Ellie CD/ Pete CDX
Well for the past week I've been working Pete on CDX work and it became official that I would take Pete to his CDX with the help of Margot and Peggy of course haha. I'm trying to enter Ellie for her CD I just have to figure out where the shows are. Or at least figure out where the hell I can find them?! You would think it would be easy but its not that simple anymore because obedience shows are on the verge of practical extinction. This is something that worry obedience trainers such as myself because it will reduce us to participating in the not so thrilling and competitive (also slightly retarded) world of rally. This is something I'm trying to avoid however the battle I'm mostly concerned about it animal rights well long term concern anyway.
So this week Ellie and I need to focus on our fronts, heeling, and finishes. This is all things I don't really like doing but what must be done shall be done. Her retrieve work is going very well we can retrieve from an arms length. We are now starting to have me place it on the ground in front of her while I'm still touching it. Her hold is fantastic...for now haha. This weekend should be interesting with the training. Its not like I can't train a dog. Its more of when its a personal competition dog I start to panic a little I'm not sure what I'm looking for usually when I've given a dog to train I'm given instructions on what needs to be worked and with Ellie I don't know I panic a little I'm not sure what to do. I mean I know what to do but I don't know what to do...does that make sense? I don't know but it just sounds right haha.
I am also doing some side work with Sugar and Red. Just here and there work whenever Roxanne wants me too. I still think its a weird gender name choice but I've heard worse haha.
So this week Ellie and I need to focus on our fronts, heeling, and finishes. This is all things I don't really like doing but what must be done shall be done. Her retrieve work is going very well we can retrieve from an arms length. We are now starting to have me place it on the ground in front of her while I'm still touching it. Her hold is fantastic...for now haha. This weekend should be interesting with the training. Its not like I can't train a dog. Its more of when its a personal competition dog I start to panic a little I'm not sure what I'm looking for usually when I've given a dog to train I'm given instructions on what needs to be worked and with Ellie I don't know I panic a little I'm not sure what to do. I mean I know what to do but I don't know what to do...does that make sense? I don't know but it just sounds right haha.
I am also doing some side work with Sugar and Red. Just here and there work whenever Roxanne wants me too. I still think its a weird gender name choice but I've heard worse haha.
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