Just an idea I'd like to run past you guys...
As you know I give a dummy training class once a week, for intermediate stage dogs (beyond beginners, but not open class). I thought I might offer a class for senior dogs who still love to do a bit of retrieving work, but who cannot manage the distances and pace we ask of the younger dogs. I know several people who have older dogs they would love to bring to my weekly class, but who really can no longer manage the more challenging tasks.
I am thinking of offering an easy-going class, with maybe five or six dogs at a time, with a few nice simple retrieves, a fair amount of searching, and a few memories and simple blind retrieves. No heavy-duty ground cover, no jumping over ditches or fences, maybe a splash through a nice stream or easy retrieve from shallow water... We could meet up once every couple of weeks, or whenever the weather is good (not too hot, not too cold or windy, not pouring with rain etc). These dogs don't need training, they all know their job; it would all be about them getting exercise and us all having an enjoyable time, with the 'oldies' getting to do what they love best.
What do you think? If you have a senior retriever, would you go for a class like this?
As you know I give a dummy training class once a week, for intermediate stage dogs (beyond beginners, but not open class). I thought I might offer a class for senior dogs who still love to do a bit of retrieving work, but who cannot manage the distances and pace we ask of the younger dogs. I know several people who have older dogs they would love to bring to my weekly class, but who really can no longer manage the more challenging tasks.
I am thinking of offering an easy-going class, with maybe five or six dogs at a time, with a few nice simple retrieves, a fair amount of searching, and a few memories and simple blind retrieves. No heavy-duty ground cover, no jumping over ditches or fences, maybe a splash through a nice stream or easy retrieve from shallow water... We could meet up once every couple of weeks, or whenever the weather is good (not too hot, not too cold or windy, not pouring with rain etc). These dogs don't need training, they all know their job; it would all be about them getting exercise and us all having an enjoyable time, with the 'oldies' getting to do what they love best.
What do you think? If you have a senior retriever, would you go for a class like this?
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Casper would love it! Gentle yet stretching retrieves, hunting for snipe dummies in long grass. Combining with a bit of balance, muscle group work for example front paws up, back paws up...stretching (cookie stretch to mobilise back..).