Reflection #6 -- First Dog Syndrome

When we first trained "seriously" with Baltik, I found out that we had to start from scratch and re-train all the bad habits he accumulated in 4 years. As Keith said, first dog in a one-dog household with no kids, would definitely turn out to be spoiled. So if I say sit, who cares I ask it for the fifth time, I can go ahead and repeat it many more times and Baltik will decide to which one he will respond.

Well, certainly with Trident and the puppies it is all different now. For example, Kuu is backing 5+ yards without any preparation for the draft test, he is still young--just turned one today (oops plans for the birthday party are put away together with my left shoe for a while). Trident sits down at a hand signal without any voice command, and his execution of halt is on my left side and in a second following the command (unlike Baltik's turning all the way in front of me and taking his time).

Granted, Trident's intensity could be an obstacle for getting his title if we had a chance to try, but knowing his character I was prepared to work at his speed (really fast, plus many stops) and his strength (he was to carry 30 lbs of coal), so that he had no time for distractions. (Alas, little you can do on threes, plus the weather conditions were poor.) So that brings me to the point, that Sue Marino always emphasizes as do many others (Keith, Donna, Todd, etc.), which I finally achieved with Baltik: the handler and the dog are one team, they work as a single unit, they know each other well and are able to compliment each other in the areas of weaknesses. So yes, the dog will know your voice: do you mean what you say or do you just play the record over and over again?? And the handler knows what the dog can do and cannot and will emphasize the good and tone down the drawbacks, or won't create a situation for the dog to fail.

Baltik's backing saved us from falling short at the Genesee test, after our required backing was accomplished, when we could not rotate to a perfect straight line to do two more turns.

As for the obedience training that Mary Anne mentions, the name game was the most effective for me as was "stay with me", i.e. the dog follows you in any direction you go without even being told. During the training, all you do: have a loose leash, a good collar (show choker is good for this, don't need the prone), and walk changing the direction often. If the dog follows, great!, if
not, give him/her a pop when the dog gets distracted and doesn't follow you. If the dog follows you nicely and makes eye-contact, give as much praise as you can, pat the dog or give a treat.

One more thing, even when that seems to be accomplished and done well, in a new situation--at the test or new-place practice--repeat the exercise, show the dog that it's just the game you taught him/her earlier. And most importantly treat the whole process as a fun activity. Both of you will enjoy it immensely.

The drawback: Trident is now totally confused and whiny!!!--he knew we were there to have fun, but that didn't happen (well we did but not fully, playing with Jersey at the ski are was the only fun he had the day before, but no draft work) and he is disappointed. Trust me on this, I don't project my personal opinion on this matter, as much as I would love to. He really feels upset. But the handlers injury doesn't happen that often, so the overall idea should still work!

To all of you: thank you for all your concerns and warm words.

I'm doing better.
Best,
Oksana