Iffanwys

Thanks so much for the info, tips and tricks! It's a lot to digest, but will reread a few times and try some of it out this weekend and see how we go. At home he loves to work for praise - big praise, hugs and kisses, fussing etc. Since reading your posts I've also realised that he loves to run with me and also to chase me. Never really thought of it that way before, it's always just been a game, but I guess it's all about looking at things from a different perspective! I feel so much better having a few things to try out. Will let you know how we go! Thanks again!!!

Hi Everyone, I have a 4yo Kelpie x who I've had since I adopted him from the local RSPCA at 9 weeks of age. He's had basic obedience from a young age but work/study issues stopped me from pursuing anything with him as a puppy. We've now been doing obedience classes for 5 weeks and I'd like to eventually get into agility with him. He has graduated from 'beginners' and is about to do his second week of Grade 1. My problem is getting his attention during training. ANYTHING will distract him, even a bird who calls out 1km down the road! Just getting him to listen to me is a major obstacle. He is fantastic off leash, comes to the first call etc it is only during 'training' that I'm having this problem. When I do the exercises in the house, he's perfect - no distractions there, but the minute I take him beyond the walls it's a nightmare, even in the backyard. He has moments, maybe a second or two where he suddenly goes 'oh there you are' and he's brilliant, but he seems to be getting worse rather than better. He's not food orientated at all (although he will eat them, but it's not enough to distract him from the distractions), doesn't give two hoots about toys, and he loves praise, but again it's not enough. I've tried all sorts of fancy smelly foods, even the treat the dog club says the dogs go 'ga ga' over he's 'meh'. I've trained 4 other dogs (2 Dalmatians,a Rhodesian Ridgeback & GSDx) before, so I'm not a complete novice, but I'm pulling my hair out with him. I've heard that inattention can be a problem with Kelpies, I'm more than willing to work through it, I just don't know what to do! I'm willing to try just about anything at this stage! Any help is very much appreciated!!