boxagirl

I have trained eyecontact at home, so he offers that now, and I heavily reward that if he does it in a new environment (by clicking and treating food, and also the odd game of tug)- once he is giving me consistant eye contact at obedience I know I have his attention, then I start asking for other behaviors I have already trained (eg abit of heelwork, recalls, sits) and heavily reward with a tug game when he does what I ask (another reason I distance myself at the start from class- I feel like an idiot making a fuss of my dog in the middle of his class ) I start away from the class, do heelwork towards the class and he doesn't even notice he is right next to the other dogs once I have his attention- then reward and go have a big game of tug away from the class again (so I don't distract all the other dogs aswell ) I use obedience classes only to proof behaviors I have taught at home which the dog does reliably without distractions. I have a great obedience trainer who lets me do this kind of stuff with my dogs, and I just pop in and out of class as I feel fit with my dogs. I work in the advanced class, so that the other dogs in class aren't quite as distracting to my pup as the untrained puppies that are in beginner class would be- as most of the advanced dogs are focused on their trainer

My boxer baby is the same- loves other dogs too much Don't let him play with the other dogs at training at all, so he learns he is there to train and focus on you. Nothing should be more rewarding to the dog than things you offer it- and having to contend with the fun playing with other dogs offer is pretty hard! What I am doing is distancing myself for the distraction (other dogs/class) and working on focus and attention from a distance, and gradually working my way in getting closer to the class/ distraction. If at any time the pup starts focusing on the other dogs and ignoring me, we move away from the distraction again, and gain focus again. I click and treat eye contact. Also make sure you are using high-value treats (really yummy food, or a toy your dog loves and will work for). My 5 month boxer Booker loves tug toys, so I use a game of tug for when he is really good (usually use it for his reward for heelwork, recalls and other high energy exercises). ETA, I agree with Gayle- keep training sessions short! Most obedience clubs classes go for too long, and do too much "pounding the pavement". If your dog only concentrates and offers its best work for 15minutes, train for 15mins then leave- before he gets bored

Here is a photo I took today of Booker (5months) His flyaway ears are finally starting to settle

I know who you two are now... although don't expect me to recognise you without your dogs still lol ;)

What is LAT?

Yes I was clicking and treating for eye contact for awhile and Books paid attention (much to my surprise) but then I didn't want to look like I was ignoring the instructor so I stopped He is off to obedience tonight Just spotted the first bobtail lizzard of the year in my backyard Glad I found it before the dogs. Hate summer- we always get lots of bobtails (better than snakes I guess). Bondi usually just barks at them- but our old dog Barkly used to attack them and I think Booker would think they are great fun to play with too!

It was the little fluffy creamish coloured one- don't know what it was

RS I think the other little dog in our class was named Pippa too!! ETA: I think I have the naughtiest pup My dog doesn't know how to sit still! But I was pleased with him for his first time at a training class- he didn't ignore me completely

I did? I only recognise people by their dogs Yep Booker was "boxing" all the puppies in pup class- he is all legs He loved the little cav- but just about squashed it He met his match with bedazzleds pup though- about the only other puppy that was bigger than him :D

Booker is entered too MG Just come down and give it a go, if Gibbs plays up in the ring it isn't the end of the world! Plenty of naughty show dogs out there! Booker is naughty No one expects puppies to be perfectly behaved.

Lovely to meet you tonight Bedazzled and RS My crazy puppy is knackered, and asleep. He had a ball, I think he loves other dogs too much! He is off to obedience tomorrow night .. no playing with other dogs at obedience for him though I think

Yay I'm so excited! Can't wait! Hope it doesn't rain!!! Don't worry, Booker is a big sooky puppy

My Boxheads, Bondi (9years) and Booker (4 months)

Just a quick update on Booker, now 4 months old

Boxer, Boxer, Sibe

Boxers are great family dogs I suggest going to a dog show to have a look at all the breeds to help you make up your mind

YAY there was vacancy in ACWA puppy class so Booker got in!!

Yep Bondi is the same She will be 9 in janurary. Bowen therapy keeps her going though I think- otherwise she gets stiff.

As long as the class wasn't full I sent my enrollment off this morning.. so hope I get in and don't have to wait until next term! aww love Rubys head tilt!

Thanks Mim It has little scottish terriers on it- makes my room look so girly though with the pink and purple

But remember Bondi is a small Boxer- so she makes him look bigger in photos ;) I have enrolled mr books in the ACWA puppy class 1 :D Excited! Thanks for the suggestion RV

Yep he is nearly as tall as Miss Bondi already! and he is only 4 months old

My babies "kissing"

I got mine :D

Goodluck for Thursday Lisa! Let us know how you go!