| delisa2850 | 07-23-2008 09:59 PM |
You poor dears! I LOVE our trainer. Jane has her own business - it is called One Dog Makes A Difference (ODMAD) and she really does believe that. She has over 2 decades of training experience, has done tons of research into several training methods, and truly does love our dogs. She has told us that you need to find what best motivates YOUR dog - whether it is tons of praise, food, playing with a toy - whatever gets YOUR dog excited is what you need to use for your training reward. Every week she gives us handouts - puppy psychology type lessons. We have learned about pack leadership, pros and cons of clicker training, rewards vs. bribes, etc....
I can totally relate to your frustration with Pebbles not paying attention. I truly believe that Roxy has ADHD. My class laughs when I say this, but I am serious!! This last Monday, Jane's words were, "she (Roxy) has the attention span of a gnat, doesn't she?" (I think in a contest the gnat would win....) Fortunately for me, Roxy IS food motivated, but even at that, during her exciting classtime, I am the last thing she is interested in - even with yummy treats that she never gets except during training. During puppy kindergarten class all she had to do was look my way and she would get a treat. She did not get one treat for looking my way. She loves to socialize. (Then again, she is an only dog.) For us, having Roxy actually do what the lesson is during class time just doesn't really happen, but at home, she really will work with me. Last week we learned a game called "catch me." We kept backing away and telling our dogs "catch me!" and as they came toward us and paid attention to us, they got treats. During class, we were not much more successful than usual, but at home, she was wonderful. So this last Monday night, Jane had us play the "catch me" game, and I kept backing Roxy further from the group, and she must have remembered the home practise, because she WON the game!!! She even beat the border collie and got a HUGE bag of Pupperoni's - so there is hope! (Janes comment was "who would've thunk it??!!" Certainly not me!! ;))
Another thing that Jane has emphasized is that since Roxy DOES like treats, but even with treats she is ADHD during class, I need to use "premium" treats. For Kindergarten graduation, I was sure that Roxy would flunk because the week before she would not do anything for me. Scott (my 18 year old son and Roxy's "Daddy") grilled a sirloin steak for her. I cut it into slivers so small it was pretty much shredded for her treat rewards. Not only did she graduate, she kicked butt! It was amazing. We haven't used sirloin since - I am saving it for puppy graduation just to be on the safe side!
Before class, I give Roxy a bath to try to make her tired so she won't be so hyper. It helps a little, but not like I had hoped.
I don't know how you would find a "Jane" in your area. She is one of the main trainers for agility in our area. Maybe your local kennel club could help guide you to someone who is better suited for Pebbles needs. Just like not every teacher is for every child, not every trainer is for every puppy either. It does not mean that you are too easy. Pebbles just has a different learning style and she needs someone with enough experience to help you identify her style and then capitalize on it.
I wish I could box Jane up and ship her your way. She would give you the confidence to know that with your love and patience, Pebbles is going to do just fine. And that just by caring enough to get involved with Pebbles training, YOU are doing just fine. Don't get discouraged.
Good luck, and keep us posted! :D | 