Left Finishes

[BlackPuppy]

Boy, for being such a smart little guy, Balto can sure be dumb sometimes. I've been working with him on left finishes for our Rally trial Sunday. He's so cute, but is just not getting it. I can't guide him by the collar because he won't budge, so I've been luring with and without food. Actually, he's started to get it, but Ciana learned it in 20 seconds. I guess it proves girls are smarter than boys. I decided to enter him because he has such good "heeling" and really great fronts. I know there's a lot more than that to Rally, but what the heck. I'll post back if I Q. There can't be more than one finish left sign, right?

I guess I'll add that he's at that "funny" age, he's only 15 months, so I really am taking into consideration that he's just a puppy.

What was really cute though, was when I ended Balto's training session I let the other two dogs back into the living room. I said "heel" and both dogs did a left finish in an instant at the same time.

[Catu]

I made the same question a while ago. Tim diagrams are priceless

http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum...&Number=620733

Forgot to add: I made the question for left turns, but then I used the same techniques for the finish, only the dog had to learn to do it from the front instead than from the side. the fact she already knew left turns helped immensely.

[BlackPuppy]

That's an interesting idea. I'm going to study that thread. It's looking promising. I guess I should look in the SchH sections more often.

[Kayos and Havoc]

Nice thing about Rally is that it is judged from the waist down. If you use food and hand motion to lure the finish it is legal to use the hand motion in competition. It is like stirring the pot just use your big spoon and stir him into place.

Havoc is 15 months too and I thought about our club shows next weekend. I opted out until he is more ready.

Eventually your hand lure can be become a hand signal for the finish. Left finish is actually easier than right finish to teach.

[BlackPuppy]

He really seemed to be getting it last night by the end of our session. I do use the lure motion to signal the finish, at least until my dogs start "hearing" the command. So, I think if I keep practicing nightly, he'll be able to do it without food. He's so cute when he does it, he takes two big backwards leaps. He's a very hoppy dog. I think he's going to be the comic relief act at the trial Sunday. He's so enthusiastic about his work and he has a goofy Laekenois smile all the time. I can't wait to see the photo proofs after the trial.

[Kayos and Havoc]

And remember any Q will do!!!

Good luck!

[BlackPuppy]

Well, funny how those left finishes worked themselves out. We came in 8 of 10 with an 83. The trial was running late and he was pretty tuckered out by the time it was our turn. He kept thinking it was time to head for the car and even sat down for a good scratch in the middle of the course. Funny thing was, we went to the SNG Saturday and he was perfect! Now if only we could walk in, run the course and leave within 30 minutes. haha So, I decided to spread out the next 2 trials instead of having the next two on the same weekend.

No photographer at the trial.

[Kayos and Havoc]

Congrats!!!!!!! A Q is a Q!!