Cassie's Gundog training log

[Stacia]

Intriguing, what is 'nodding dog'? Sounds as if you are coming on well, especially the steadiness with the two people and dogs.

 

[Joy]

That sounds brilliant!

 

[Atemas]

says I look like the Angel of the North

. I do a similar thing out on walks when calling Red but wafting my arms up and down slowly - I bet I look stupid but she seems to like it

Yes what is ‘nodding dog’?

Cassie is doing so well - must be very satisfying

 

[Cath]

Wonderful work both of you

 

[Selina27]

@Atemas and @Jelinga , "nodding dog" is placing your dog in a sit and putting a treat in front of them so that when released to it they have to stand to eat it, then you blow your stop whistle and maybe give handsignal so they sit back down again. Click, treat repeat. So they sort of nod they heads to get reward. I need to find something yummy to get her reflexes quick!

 

[Selina27]

must be very satisfying

Yes, I'm very pleased. I really hope we will be ready to pass the test, but even so doing this training is really enjoyable. It's a mix of learning new things and building on what is already good. If we are not ready we will keep practising until we are! What I like is having so much training to do that she is occupied while out and about, it's so good for our bond.
Don't get me wrong, she has plenty of running about and scenting time, and hunting, it's not all work and no play! Most of the training is play anyway!

 

[Beanwood]

Brilliant update! What enormous progress you are making too! Really enjoying reading your updates. Directionals I found straightforward with Benson (s'cuse the pun, not intentional!!!) with Bramble though, God they are a nightmare!!

 

[HAH]

I’m loving your updates @Selina27 , and it seems you’re both doing so well - in my novice understanding this seems pretty advanced stuff, and Cassie’s steadiness with other dogs is really impressive. The best thing is how much it sounds like you’re both enjoying it

 

[Selina27]

this seems pretty advanced stuff,

It isn't really, it's very basic in the grand scheme of things. But it feels like tightening "the nuts and bolts" now so that we can progress.
The steadiness is a funny thing -- I've long had the feeling that despite her effervesent and highly sociable nature somewhere in there is the inbuilt knowledge that it's part of her job. Whenever she's had to walk in line for example, she seems to just get it, or wait while dummies are thrown. She's a girl of extremes is my Cassie!

 

[Selina27]

Bit of a write up following last nights training. We were to work on the obedience sections of the test, and decided to do run throughs of the tests we are going to do, I'm aiming for Grade 2 , but did the "mock" for Grade 1. Very basic, for puppies really. Cass is not a puppy . A lovely person videoed it for me, but sadly some of it is sideways on and I can't work out how to correct it, never mind.

All went perfectly, heelwork was fab and everyone was asking me how I got it so good One minute wait, recall, no problem 15 yard simple marked retrieve, no problem 20 yard simple marked retrieve .

Haha --- I had used her rabbit skin dummy it was her dead rabbit, loads of fun to take it anywhere but back to me!! I'm supposed to be "normalising" it's use, not with hold it because she mouth's it, but not a good choice in a mock test scenario. I know it sounds daft though but the simple seen retrieves are what has put me off doing this, she inevitably ends up playing and just not taking it seriously. Throw something into rough cover and she's much more focussed on the job.

There wasn't time in the end to run through Grade 2, but I shall set myself up to do this at home. And I'm going to use the heavy guns -- sardines, which she will only get when she returns straight to me with the dummy!

I reminded SWMBO last night of her first assessment of Cassie on meeting her last September -- "This is not a dog who's going to do just whats asked of her in a given situation, a "thinking" dog who wants to work" Oh yeah!

Cassie is what she is and I just love her to bits

 

[SwampDonkey]

She's a special girly hope it goes well

 

[Selina27]

She's a special girly

She is that, to me anyway.

 

[Charlie]

Cassie is what she is

That's what I always say about Charlie! It's good to be realistic about our dogs. Good luck to you and Cassie xxx

 

[Stacia]

Cassie sounds mostly perfect, I like a dog that has a bit of mischievousness, shows they have spirit and haven't been squashed, all will come together eventually

 

[Beanwood]

All went perfectly, heelwork was fab and everyone was asking me how I got it so good One minute wait, recall, no problem

I am sure it's not just me who remembers the challenges you had walking to heel not that long ago? Now, look how far you have both come Like @Jelinga, much rather have a dog who enjoyed retrieving so much they make a fun game out of it! Much easier to work with a playful, happy dog than one that would rather be in bed err.....Bramble!

 

[Selina27]

I like a dog that has a bit of mischievousness

Oh yes absolutely, you and @Beanwood are quite right. I love her spirit, I do this for our mutual enjoyment, so no pressure.

It's good to be realistic about our dogs.

And if they we all the same might as well have a robot.

Now, look how far you have both come

We have haven't we ?

 

[Charlie]

And if they we all the same might as well have a robot.

Certainly no robots in our house!! xx

I see a lovely fox red labrador on my walks, she's about 15 months old. Was sent to Scotland for "training" this poor girl is never allowed to interact with any humans or dogs as she is a "working" dog always walking to heel. She is a robot, it makes me so sad to see her xx

 

[Selina27]

She is a robot, it makes me so sad to see her xx

Heartbreaking.

 

[Stacia]

Yes, so sad and not necessary.

 

[FayRose]

@Selina27 I love reading this and feeling your sheer joy with Cassie. This is what having a dog is all about and it is a huge pleasure and encouragement to everyone working with their dog.
I've got loads to do with Molly to get anywhere near what you've achieved so far. Well done to you and to Cassie, bless her x