Cosmolo

http://www.casinstitute.com/dipabst.html

What are your other favourite stores guys?

I did ask in your other thread- what are you doing in terms of socialisation for the pup so far? Its possible upstairs is like a whole new world that she isn't used to, particularly as the surface is different.

What are the stairs like? Slippery/ narrow/ steep etc?

What have you done so far in terms of socialisation for your pup?

Shame you didn't post earlier- i ordered a heap of stuff on Friday! Toys, toys and more toys- including some of the awesome puzzle/ interactive ones!!

Shame you didn't post earlier- i ordered a heap of stuff on Friday! Toys, toys and more toys- including some of the awesome puzzle/ interactive ones!!

Are there any breeders who could answer post #6 for me :D

I realise its the method that creates the differing response- but doesn't that then mean that the NRM means different things to a dog trained with method A than it does to the dog trained with method B? ;)

Hmmm. I agree that the marker says that in both examples, i just think that it also tells the dog to try again themself when they are left to work it out whereas it would not say that if the dog was then helped/ shown what to do.

You don't think that using it in those two different ways changes the meaning of the NRM at all? ;)

Congratulations to everyone- fabulous job! A litle brag from us (although not anything formal) Did a training session with all the dogs today and while Cosmo and Dexter tend to be the ones we work with the most Georgie was AMAZING today. Georgie is our super fearful dog who, although she has come along way, will never be a confident dog. She worked for OH today (who she used to be petrified of, wouldn't eat if he was at home for the first 3 months we had her etc) and did the most fantastic heeling- even with cricketers practicing (and making plenty of noise) in the nets behind her. She didn't even notice them because she was having such a great time which is a huge deal for her ;)

I think that Erny sums up two ways to use a NRM- either when shaping where i then let the dog 'work it out' or as feeback where you then help the dog to do the right thing and earn the reward. When introducing the NRM i do the latter and then when the dog is ready move to the former. Its the former where i find with some dogs i get ultimate enthusiasm and big improvements. If giving the NRM, then helping/ showing the dog- whats the difference between the verbal and non verbal NRM? I use NRM's with the aim of then getting the dog to think and try themselves, rather than continuing to help them because then i don't see the difference between giving a verbal NRM and a non verbal witholding of reward. This is assuming of course the dog knows the exercise we're doing.

Here's another thought to ponder. For the dogs where we say they're too soft for a no reward mark to be used- what about a non verbal NRM- are we using a NRM without acknowledging that we are? eg At times when a reward is removed, is that the same to the dog as a no reward mark? But then the difference becomes IMO- that in those situations the dog is still not learning to use the independent thinking side of their brain as they would with a no reward mark which means to them 'try again' without additional command.. I don't know if that makes any sense.. Its been a long day!!

Corvus, i think i can teach the dog that trying again and really thinking for themself can be very rewarding, rather than them hanging back and waiting to be 'helped' or told in some way if that makes sense. Because they then feel they have more control, their confidence increases as a result. You need to be careful though as if you don't know when to push and when not to, the soft dog whose confidence you're trying to build will shut down. I worked with a very weak nerved dog who with a NRM to begin with was very very unsure but within one session he was improving and gaining so much confidence in every way- he was more confident with me, less noise sensitive than he was earlier and less worried about quick movements. I believe its because he was using a different part of his brain- which was stressful for him to start because he'd never done it before- but this then created more independence and more confidence as a result. And yes i think it is very similar to the kind of process the dog goes through when free shaping. Hope that makes sense! ETA While technically a NRM is a punisher- i don't think this is true for all dogs once they understand the concept.

Just wanted to add that with the dogs i use the no reward mark with, i like the frustration and intensity that then comes after it- i don't get anywhere near the same response by simply not rewarding.

Yes i use them- with my dogs and some clients dogs. Do need to be careful with them though, especially when introducing them. I think they actually help to build confidence when used correctly- even in soft dogs as the dog starts to use a different part of their brain and really has to think for themselves.

Safe socialisation is vital during your pups critical period and i would look around for a well run puppy pre school as most take pups from 8 weeks

I have replied to your email- apologies for the delay (family member rushed to hospital on monday so things have been a bit hectic.)

I would say yes- i have many clients who have issues resurface or increase in intensity after school holidays for example.

Better not put too much pressure on before he's even been conceived Trisven! He might turn out to be the cheekiest, naughtiest dog!

What clyde said

Dexter was diagnosed at 4-5 months. Cavalier- is there any reason to think that a dog that shows signs of HD and ED earlier has worse hips/ elbows? What would cause one dog to be symptomatic at 5 months and another not symptomatic until 12-18 months?

Absolutely gorgeous!!!! Thanks for photos. Is it hard to learn to hand strip yourself? I would really like to do it but i've not had any experience with any kind of grooming like that.

Me too Daisy- i think they have fantastic temperaments when socialised and trained properly- hence getting one! The area where they live is stunning and the property is fantastic- perfect puppy raising territory!!!