RubyStar

I only care if it's a possible point loser!! Otherwise, I think it adds a little pizzazz to a dog's performance

If Ruby doesn't get the position right the first time, when I ask her to do it again she jumps into position then. I thought it was cute but now I'll have to rethink it

Have you seen the way Patty Ruzzo's dogs do their finish? If dogs here lose points for jumping then Patty has downright flunked Love watching her stuff, she's amazing!!

I'm one of those who had to drag my hand right around my back to get Ruby to go deep enough to end up back at heel so we will be sticking to round the back finishes in the ring. I will keep practicing the other finish at home, though. I didn't realise dogs who jumped up to return to heel lost points? Or did I just misinterpret that? As for left about U turn's, I was taught with the dog going behind me so will probably stick with this with Ruby until I can get her U-turn better (if I pivot on the spot she automatically goes around me, doesn't move her back end in :cool:) but as for Millie who hasn't been taught a left about turn properly yet, I think I'll try go with the U-turn with her if I can teach it properly! I'm trying to teach Ruby some back end awareness to help with her left about turns but until that is up there, round the back of me will do!

Asking out of curiosity in case I ever experience the same thing with a future dog (Beagle or not) - how did you overcome this? I wouldn't know how to deal with something like that

With all due respect, Erny, I must point out my stuffed dog comment had nothing to do with the caller mentioned in the OP. I was having a chuckle with Lablady about her enquiries about wanting a quiet, non-energetic Lab - they just don't exist unless it's a stuffed one! I too think it's great the guy made the call to try and learn something as not everyone does, I guess we also just found the amusing side to someone thinking a dog come pre-programmed knowing commands. No malice intended

I love that concept, WildatHeart It's also good for those family members who watch on and at you, not realising what it is you're trying to achieve. Make them the one trying to learn the behaviour you want and they will soon see that those tiny steps of what you're doing with the dog isn't that silly afterall!

Actually, the FIRST thing you want to do is know what you want to teach and what your criteria/expected outcome is... I think... But as that doesn't tie in with this topic, I'm hoping my first answer was more on track!

Ummmm... who is shining that torch in my eyes? Well my notes are at home but something about make sure you have your treats and all training gear ready before your dog comes out for training so it's not left standing around, and don't let the dog see you get treats ready. What score do I get out of 10 for my pop quiz, Ptolomy?

Advance kibble gets sucked up by my 2 when it's dry, not even sure they crunch it half the time! Hence why I used to soak it for them so they wouldn't choke (but now they get fed raw). One of my girls works for lettuce But that isn't so easy to throw I've got some Advance kibble leftover, you've just given me the idea to start using some of it for training instead of letting it go to waste!

Or buy a stuffed one

You'll never know the joy of owning a Lab unless you try it so no more Labbie bashing you big bullies!

Well what's life without a crazy Lab (or more) in it?! I want a Beagle and an Irish Wolfhound to add to my clan - I certainly don't pick the easiest of breeds, do I?

My heart belongs to Labbies so I think I'll stick with the hard yakka that comes as standard with those crazy things

:rolleyes: If they're meant to come pre-programmed like that, I'm sending my girls back to the shop to be re-wired!!

I'm not sure if I'll have much useful input into this thread, but here's my ramblings anyway One of my girls I have clicker trained tricks with since a pup by shaping but didn't realise it at the time as I'm only now starting to learn what shaping is. She is much quicker to pick up new things than my other girl who I haven't done much clicker training with, and done no trick training with at all. The beauty I've found of shaping with a clicker is it has allowed my girl the ability to learn better. I taught her tonight in about 10 minutes to offer her front 2 paws on a small stool - had a bit of waiting around for her to offer a look and a paw, etc, but we got there with a teensy bit of luring included at the start! Got my other girl out who hasn't been trained the same (older rescue girl who hasn't been with me long) and she just won't work the same way! Too hyped up on the treat and won't think for herself, so I thought I'd try something simple like sits from drops and vice versa with the clicker, so I guess I'll keep doing that and simple things until she understands the clicker better! Waiting for behaviours from her is going to be a long wait :D

Photos most welcome! :D

I actually made some weave poles ages ago (which I never use ) so maybe I could use those and just attach those big clips and just buy a bit of pipe Although, I really wanna make the solid jump! I feel a weekend project coming on!

Any idea where to buy the cups? Why do dogs cost so much money?

This looks confusing Anyone used this guide before? http://www.hickorytech.net/~chchiud/obedequi.htm

Do you mean buying the cups? If you can drag the dummies guide off your laptop that'd be great Up there for thinking!!

Got any building jumps for dummies step by step guides?

I need to build some jumps so I can start some of this stuff, as well as the dumbell retrieve over solid jump. Anyone got any ideas how to make these things? I'm so NOT handy!!! Edited to say, well done to LP and Leo, you guys sound like you're going great guns!! When's the next video installment?

Maybe it's the luck of the 2nd dog or something, Sally... I get better focus and attention from Millie Though I find it easier to teach Ruby something new.

Awww thanks guys :cool: So Caffy, you're the owner of Snazzy(?) I was very impressed with what I saw!! Sally, as soon as we have some attention to spare I will be happy to share it with Ness - unfortunately, we've got a long way to go to get there with no food and no looking away! Speaking of scent, I did a full set with Ruby yesterday - success And I got the hula hoop out first time in ages for some send aways and she jumped right in it and sat down :cool: