Opinions please? [video]

[elisabeth_00117]

I took some videos of Stark and I doing some VERY INFORMAL training/playing around in the house, he wasn't really in the mood or cooperating, but I would like opinions as to what I could be doing better to get the results we would need for trailing. Any tips, comments, etc.. would be helpful. He is the first dog I have trained and would really like some feedback.

Thanks guys!

Heeling
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUZMOH0P0ZI

Perch work and basic obedience
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOuj4mPog2g

[Achielles UD]

Still watching the perch work video, but a few things since you asked

In such a small area to work for heeling, I would suggest doing doodles and working on heads-up starts or focus on about turns. You both look great Those would be my only suggestions on the heeling vid.

As I said, still watching the perch, but I don't get what I am seeing... I hear a lot of clicking but I am not seeing on video what you are clicking for.. (mostly he looks like he isn't moving). I hear multiple clicks and even a "yes" in just the first minute of the 8 min video but haven't really seen what it is you are marking for? Sure his feet are up, but I think the multiple clicks and "yes"s defeat the purpose. I'll go back and finish watching though before saying anything else

I think you are doing great! And Kudos to you for working with him... I have slacked off so bad because of winter and making excuses that I don't have enough room and the kids are in the way... You have far less room so I make no more excuses! I WILL train tomorrow lol

Keep up the great work

[elisabeth_00117]

I think the sound is off.. It is doing a weird thing on youtube, it's different on my computer. Not sure?

[Achielles UD]

I think you're right. I keep watching and i hear sit and click when he is still on his perch lol I see him in a platz, you rewarding, but saying sit. ... maybe it's me lol maybe it's youtube... but at anyrate, I think you're doing great working him

Try working position and doodles and such as you have limited space Perch work is great too for getting him to understand he has a rear.

[elisabeth_00117]

By doodles do you mean, step with focus then click and treat. Redo, instead of a full out walk? Work on focus more? I know that's where I struggle; getting his attention.

[Hansdale]

really small place to do heals but hey we work with what we have.
maybe a slow pace,
click and reward while all 4 feet are on the ground.
mix it up. some sit and wait. stays and recalls. sit for longer periods.
looks like your on the right track

[elisabeth_00117]

Yes, we usually train outdoors or during class (once per week) but tonight we were bored and it was already dark outside.. lol.

[Samba]

some doodling...this one I hear Michael Ellis instructing in the background...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOpl1xJTOf4

doodling to me is doing small steps, working on fronts up close, working on pivots and small movements. I teach focus heads up and then one step with focus....build from there.

You could work on some stationary attention as a beginning.

I begin teaching more formal heeling by showing the dog first how to give to leash pressure. I will then use the leash to assist the dog in finding position and navigating the intricacies of moving heeling. Once giving to leash pressure is mastered, I can gently move the dog up into heel position, back into heel position, off of my leg or closer to me. When dog is correct, I mark and reward.

Here is a short leash pressure vid. Use a pinch for this. It is not so much a corrective device here as a steering device.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFEl4MEJ6RY

[Achielles UD]

Yes. Doodling is small steps, close fronts, turns, pivots etc.

Great doodling done here Doodling and Tricks - Border Collie 8 months in between all the tricks

Oh and if you find Stark is bored/not focused, try doing more playful tricks instead of formal "obedience". If you toss lots of stuff out like the dog in the video, he'll most liekly be more apt to focus more on you because he'll wonder what The Nut (you!) is going to do next! lol

[Samba]

Oh, that is better doodling example with the BC. Keeping the treats coming is important in building sustained attention and focus in your work. I used to try to see how many clicks and treats I could get in in a minutes time. It needs to be pretty rapid. Also, sometimes jackpot with several treats as that keeps interest high also.

Hurray, keep going Stark...aka Hogan's lost twin brother!