—Are you Ring Ready? Let us give you a run thru.
k9 skills -- Points to Ponder
Rally Novice --January 5, 2024
Rally Novice -- January 19, 2024
Rally Novice -- January 19, 2024
Heeling
The heeling exercise is part of every class at every level. Yet it is where most points are lost. Keep in mind the heeling exercise includes turns, halts and automatic sits--i.e., lagging, forging, wide, crowding, bumps, croocked, etc.
Heel Position. The heel position as defined in the AKC regulations applies whether the dog is s
Heeling
The heeling exercise is part of every class at every level. Yet it is where most points are lost. Keep in mind the heeling exercise includes turns, halts and automatic sits--i.e., lagging, forging, wide, crowding, bumps, croocked, etc.
Heel Position. The heel position as defined in the AKC regulations applies whether the dog is sitting, standing, lying down or moving at heel. The dog should be at the handler’s left side straight in line with the direction the handler is facing. The area from the dog’s head to shoulder is to be in line with the handler’s left hip. The dog should be close to but not crowding its handler so that the handler has freedom of motion at all times.
Rally Novice -- January 19, 2024
Rally Novice -- January 19, 2024
Rally Novice -- January 19, 2024
Introducing Leash Pressure
Using the leash as a tool to create behavior as opposed to merely restraining the dog
1. First and foremost engagement and motivated toward reward.
· Working in a reward-based system.
· Paying attention and enjoying training
2. Relationship with the dog is important with any leash pressure, negative reinforc
Introducing Leash Pressure
Using the leash as a tool to create behavior as opposed to merely restraining the dog
1. First and foremost engagement and motivated toward reward.
· Working in a reward-based system.
· Paying attention and enjoying training
2. Relationship with the dog is important with any leash pressure, negative reinforcement or positive punishment. Can cause significant problems if you have no relationship
3. Certain types of behaviors (sit, stand, down, etc.) should be started and shaped in a reward-based system
4. Determine discipline do you intend to do with your dog—i.e. pet dog, competitive sports. You want to be sure your dog is “playing well” before starting leash pressure. There is some mild stress during leash pressure. How much depends on how well it’s done and the dog’s temperament. If the dog is not “playing well” the pressure can inhibit the play further.
5. Know the temperament and sensitivity of the dog in question. This allows you to know when you introduce leash pressure and what tools to use.
6. Make sure your dog understands your marker or communication system—conditioned reinforcement and conditioned punishers (the Marker System) to indicate when the dog is right or wrong.
Choosing Your Equipment
Collars:
· Slip collar or slip lead, acts like a choke chain
· Prong/ pinch collar (particularly with less sensitive dogs)
· Never use flat collars or martingale collars for leash pressure work
· You'll always want an “active” collar…flat collars create stronger opposition and you have to pull much, much harder in order to get the dog to move
Basic Obedience & Rally
Rally Novice -- January 19, 2024
Basic Obedience & Rally
Ongoing WEDNESDAY classes
7:00 PM
Register the first of each month for only $100 per month.
Drop-ins on approval only (from the instructor) are only $30 per class. Email k9.skills123@gmail.com for approvals.
More classes added as needed including daytime classes...
let us know what works for you. We'll try to accomodate your needs. As we
Ongoing WEDNESDAY classes
7:00 PM
Register the first of each month for only $100 per month.
Drop-ins on approval only (from the instructor) are only $30 per class. Email k9.skills123@gmail.com for approvals.
More classes added as needed including daytime classes...
let us know what works for you. We'll try to accomodate your needs. As weather permits, we'll also be working at various locations to add to your training experience.
k9 skills -- Points to Ponder
Rally Novice--November, 2023
Rally Novice-- December, 2023
Rally Novice--November, 2023
Training is fun when you learn how to effectively use your reward marker. When a marker is used correctly, play and work cease to be separate activities. The dog performs to gain access to reward.
Timing/Sequence:
1. When the dog does the desired behavior, (sit, stand, heel, retrieve, etc.)
2. Mark it— Verbal marker (“Yes”, “Nice”, clicker whatever)
3. Followed by the reward.
4. The word “good” during an exercise simply indicates “keep doing what you’re doing” —your “carry on marker” (not necessary to reward).
Reward Marker REQUIRES you to reward—if you say it, you MUST pay it. NOTE: can’t use in the ring, because you can’t produce the reward.
Once the marker is learned, VARIABLE ratio of reinforcement (rewards) creates an expectation of reward for every behavior. They will work harder to get the reward if they don’t get it every time.
Rally Novice--December, 2023
Rally Novice-- December, 2023
Rally Novice--November, 2023
Keep going, you're doing great.
- Continue learning Novice Signs
- Markers -- Stand (kick back), Sit (rock back or forward sit…pros/cons What are they?), Down
NOTE: Once your dog knows the command...STOP LURING! Move to REWARDS as soon as possible. Why…
- Your “marker” is a release. Move the dog about.
- The “Good” or “Nice” (whatever word you use) is NOT a release, simply lets the dog know he’s doing the right thing. Do not repeat the command.
- Use "Games" during practice sessions to make it fun
- Find heel (Stay & Mark it) Keep it simple, let him succeed
- Spin right/left (think about your arm position)
- Use your right arm to spin to the dog's left
- Use your left arm to spin to the dogs right
Note on double commands
- Use ONLY when necessary; will NOT lose points, but it
- Deadens the effectiveness of the command—i.e., which time does the dog comply?
- Fronts & Finish
- What does "Front" mean?
- What does "Finish" mean?
Straight Sit aids —
Use a wall, garage door, a platform, two boards or rain gutter pieces, anything that promotes a straight sit both in front and at your side.
Remember, it is not a two-part exercise, the goal is to get the correct position on the first try.
Why are straight sits important?
- Practice Signs 13 & 14
- Practice Signs 15 & 16
- Moving heel
- Continue Marking for the correct position with the dog looking up, one step, two steps, work up to long straight lines…then work up to LARGE circles
- You should notbe luring. Don’t even have a treat in your hand.
- Practice Signs: 6, 7, 5 and 35
Rally Novice-- December, 2023
Rally Novice-- December, 2023
Rally Novice-- December, 2023
Keep up the good work! The best is yet to come.
…a word from AKC
“ proceed at a brisk pace through a course, ... a clear sense of teamwork between the dog and handler...”
1. Review All Novice Signs
2. Markers — Some seem to be “by-passing” the value of Markers.
a. REVISIT the use of markers—
· Timing (only when the dog is correct),
· Associate with the exercise
1. Stand (kick back)
2. Sit (rock back or forward sit
3. Down
b. Your “marker” is a release. Move the dog about, have a party
c. The “Good” or “Nice” (whatever word you use) is NOT a release, it simply lets the dog know he’s doing the right thing. Do not repeat the command.
3. Use "Games" during practice sessions to make it fun, don’t “drill, drill, drill”
a. Find heel (Stay & Mark it) Keep it simple let him succeed
· Practice your “stays” (introduce “pressure” stay)
· Practice walking around your dog in a stay position. Start with small steps.
b. Spin right/left
· Use your right arm to spin to the dog's left
· Use your left arm to spin to the dogs right
4. Double commands
a. Use ONLY when necessary; you will NOT lose points, but
it deadens the effectiveness of the command—i.e., which time does the dog comply?
5. Practice Fronts & Finishes
a. How many sits? Remember, it is not a two-part exercise, the goal is to get the correct position on the first try.
b. Straight Sit aids
· Use a wall, garage door, a platform, two boards, rain gutter pieces, whatever promotes a straight sit both in front and at your side.
c. Why are straight sits important?
6. Moving heel
a. Continue Marking for the correct position with the dog looking up, work up to long straight lines…then work up to LARGE circles
b. You should not be luring. Don’t even have a treat in your hand.
7. Practice Signs:
a. 3, 4, 8, 20 and 35
