Today was all about Ripley :) or as Andrea says it was all about me :)) You gotta love when that happens, lol. Poor Peso had a bit of a mishap trying to catch a ball at 10' high so Andrea left both him and Phe at home. I decided to work Rip first and in the end, we just didn't have time for B either.
We started with the 3 jump set up that we did with the big boys last Thursday to see how Rip read the serps, threadles and push throughs. Well let me tell you...we never got past the serps! I learned lots today and have lots of things to do for homework. If I stood at the far post of the 2nd jump, Ripley would not take jump 1 instead he would come into jump 2. Even if he focused forward to jump 1!! I need to work on lateral distance to a jump for sure. When he did take that jump he has some issues keeping jump 2 up when he was jumping into me. We worked just that jump 2 stepping towards jump 3 feeding with that hand and he did better. We worked on this serp work for 3 sessions. ** Ripley was definitely flanking me during these exercises, need to watch that.
We then moved on to teeter work. Rip did 2 bangs on each side, starting with it from his left shoulder. He jumped up, nailed the drop and did some great touches. When I moved to his right shoulder we noticed that he would put his front up to push the teeter down but would not jump up that way (strange! something I am not sure if we should be watching or not). We then went right to him doing a full teeter. He is driving really nice up to the end and nailing his contact. I started with him on my right, moved to my left and when I went back to my right he seemed to be jumping off at the bottom or not able to stick the same way. Will keep our eye on that.
We moved on to the frame after that. He did the frame really well for a few times, sometimes releasing to a jump ahead, a jump to the side or just to my side. His final frame Andrea noticed that he was taking too many strides to get up and down. We are going to keep an eye on this too but feel that he will not do this for long. He is one fast boy and we are sure that he will be very drivey. On his final frame we allowed him to turn away into the tunnel. At the end he even waited for us to talk while he sat in front of the tunnel but didn't choose to go in without being told :) I was very proud of that.
Summary:
To Do List
- work lateral distance to a jump
- work the serp into my space
- ensure he doesn't flank me
- watch his teeter and frame
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sept 29th - at home
Well we were back to working 2x2 weaves again today. I moved the 2 bases to be about 6' apart, both staked in the ground. I used white milkbone cookies for treats for both boys.
Ripley
I added movement today to see where we were at. Ripley actually did awesome with me running either up to the entry area and also away from the entry. He had very limited mistakes today and did some really hard entries with speed. He did not have a favoring side tonight, so that is awesome. He was equal on both onside and offside entries.
Baxter
I also added movement to B's training today. I ping ponged back and forth of whether to move or stay stationary. He actually did quite well with the movement, not flanking the poles at all today. On his final session I moved from onside to offside and back again. When I did that he had a harder time going to the offside entry as he didn't go around and wrap back. I went to my "happy place" and let him figure it out. At least he didn't do a impaling type leap through them...that's an improvement :) In between Baxter worked on control with his bed.
You can see how the dogs are really digging in and wrapping around that first pole when you look at my poor grass. I am pretty sure the next time Rick goes out to cut the grass he will not be impressed at the ruts along the middle of our back yard :)
Ripley
I added movement today to see where we were at. Ripley actually did awesome with me running either up to the entry area and also away from the entry. He had very limited mistakes today and did some really hard entries with speed. He did not have a favoring side tonight, so that is awesome. He was equal on both onside and offside entries.
Baxter
I also added movement to B's training today. I ping ponged back and forth of whether to move or stay stationary. He actually did quite well with the movement, not flanking the poles at all today. On his final session I moved from onside to offside and back again. When I did that he had a harder time going to the offside entry as he didn't go around and wrap back. I went to my "happy place" and let him figure it out. At least he didn't do a impaling type leap through them...that's an improvement :) In between Baxter worked on control with his bed.
You can see how the dogs are really digging in and wrapping around that first pole when you look at my poor grass. I am pretty sure the next time Rick goes out to cut the grass he will not be impressed at the ruts along the middle of our back yard :)
Sept 27 & 28 - training on the road
So this weekend we did not get a chance to do any 2x2 weave pole work in the backyard as it was very busy. On Saturday, I took Ripley and my wire fox terrier Abbey to a Dock Diving fun match. I spent a lot of time working on the "It's Yer Choice" game while going to the line up. I also worked a lot of wait/stays. He was a very good boy and also did well in the dock diving ;)
Sunday we headed to Caledon for the Energizer Disc Series with Baxter and Ripley. While registration was happening I used Dawn's agility field to work Baxter on his control and some 1 jump work. He was showing an awesome wait, did some great jumping. I also had his bed there and another person was working their dog on the equipment while he remained calm! They even did the teeter, weaves and a jump that was less than 3' away from his bed!! I was very happy with him. I also used his bed prior to his rounds in disc and I could really see a difference in him (no barking like a fool :))
Ripley also did some control work and the "It's Yer Choice" game at the disc trial. He is still not great at staying with me at my side when there are more exciting things happening like disc. He also did great at the trial earning the Reserve Champion title after the 2 trials :)
Sunday we headed to Caledon for the Energizer Disc Series with Baxter and Ripley. While registration was happening I used Dawn's agility field to work Baxter on his control and some 1 jump work. He was showing an awesome wait, did some great jumping. I also had his bed there and another person was working their dog on the equipment while he remained calm! They even did the teeter, weaves and a jump that was less than 3' away from his bed!! I was very happy with him. I also used his bed prior to his rounds in disc and I could really see a difference in him (no barking like a fool :))
Ripley also did some control work and the "It's Yer Choice" game at the disc trial. He is still not great at staying with me at my side when there are more exciting things happening like disc. He also did great at the trial earning the Reserve Champion title after the 2 trials :)
Friday, September 26, 2008
Sept 26th - at home
So I took the boys into the backyard again tonight to work on weaves. I am only working very hard entries with both boys so hopefully after all this training they both have good weaves?!? I put the 2 sets at 8' apart tonight at the 1-7 angle for both, staked.
Ripley
I started with offside weaves with Rip today because that seemed to be harder for him. He was still trying to weave backwards on the first set so I went to my "happy place" and waited him out to figure out what I wanted. He actually did! He did 3 sets of offside weaves and had some great success. His onside weaves are great now! He is able to nail the entry and wrap tight from about 12' back even :) Such a good boy. I find using food that he is not looking up now so that is also great.
Baxter
I started B on the onside weaves as that is his new challenge. He wants to go to the second set and when that doesn't earn him his reward he does some stupid scary jumping through poles. I had to make it a bit easier (as I have a hard time going to a "happy place" when I think he is going to impale himself). Once he got the first one he did all the rest great! He wrapped the pole awesome but did seem to be doing a bit of a jump through the second set. He isn't looking up but I still think he isn't doing it perfect.
Offside B is a superstar. I can't believe how he knows to go to the very first set, go past, wrap back and drive through. He can do that from anywhere now so I started to add more movement. He found that a challenge as he HATES to be close to me. We had some success so we stopped at that.
Tomorrow I think I will do weaves and some jump work. That of course depends on it not raining like they are forecasting. I can't believe how quickly the boys have killed the grass back there!!
Ripley
I started with offside weaves with Rip today because that seemed to be harder for him. He was still trying to weave backwards on the first set so I went to my "happy place" and waited him out to figure out what I wanted. He actually did! He did 3 sets of offside weaves and had some great success. His onside weaves are great now! He is able to nail the entry and wrap tight from about 12' back even :) Such a good boy. I find using food that he is not looking up now so that is also great.
Baxter
I started B on the onside weaves as that is his new challenge. He wants to go to the second set and when that doesn't earn him his reward he does some stupid scary jumping through poles. I had to make it a bit easier (as I have a hard time going to a "happy place" when I think he is going to impale himself). Once he got the first one he did all the rest great! He wrapped the pole awesome but did seem to be doing a bit of a jump through the second set. He isn't looking up but I still think he isn't doing it perfect.
Offside B is a superstar. I can't believe how he knows to go to the very first set, go past, wrap back and drive through. He can do that from anywhere now so I started to add more movement. He found that a challenge as he HATES to be close to me. We had some success so we stopped at that.
Tomorrow I think I will do weaves and some jump work. That of course depends on it not raining like they are forecasting. I can't believe how quickly the boys have killed the grass back there!!
Sept 25th - at home
I couldn't be outdone by Andrea ;) and she was working her guys on the weaves before heading to the barn so I decided to head outside and do some weaves with the boys as well.
I was originally only going to work B and put in a second set of weave poles 12' apart from the first set. Post sets were angled at 1 and 7 and were staked. I used white milkbone cookies again. In the end I did both Baxter and Ripley as Rip was in the house screaming to get out to play. I kept the setup the same for both boys (lazy on my part) plus I felt we needed to try something different with Rip.
Baxter
Session 1: Started with onside again
4' - went to the second set of poles the first time, correct
6' - correct
8' - correct
10' - went to the second set again, correct, correct
** he was definitely wrapping the first set the tightest I have seen him do and was driving to the second set!! Very happy about that
Session 2: Offside entries
Baxter drove right back from 6, 10, 12, 14 and 18' to the first set, checked up, wrapped and drove the line to the second set.
Session 3: Back to onside
Baxter drove back to the first set from 6, 10, 12' wrapped nice and drove the line. When I moved to 18' he went to the second set 2x's but then did a final one perfect.
Session 4: 5 cookies left
I did 2 offside weave entries from 18' and 24', I was very happy with his performance/understanding of what I was asking of him. I did 4 onside entries, 12' correct, moved to 18' and the first two times he went to the second set but finished with 2 perfect ones from 18' back!
So the second set of weave poles has definitely helped in his bending around the first set of poles from onside. Tomorrow I plan to do the same angle but move the second set in to 8-10' apart.
Ripley
What a difference having the poles at 1 & 7 was for little Rip today!
Session 1: Did onside entries first since this used to be his problem...now he is better here!
6' - went to second set 2 times, correct, correct
8' - correct 2x's
9' - correct
Session 2: Offside entries - now the new challenge!
Rip was not understanding offside today and was not driving past pole 1 and wrapping it but instead going from 2 to 1 the wrong way.
3' - 3 wrong, 1 correct each time for a total of 5 cookies :(
Session 3: Stayed on offside entries
3' - 5 correct, 2 wrong in the session
Session 4: Stayed on offside again
3' - correct, wrong, correct
4' - 2 wrong, correct
5' - correct, correct
Session 5: Went back to onside with 3 cookies left
18' - correct 3 times in a row.
So it seems that with the poles angled that he understood the onside entry better. He understands that he needs to enter with his left shoulder but doesn't understand that he is suppose to be driving to the second poles when offside entries were used. I am going to move the second set of poles closer tonight so maybe he will start to see the direction she is suppose to go. I am kind of glad that he is getting the onside though.
I was originally only going to work B and put in a second set of weave poles 12' apart from the first set. Post sets were angled at 1 and 7 and were staked. I used white milkbone cookies again. In the end I did both Baxter and Ripley as Rip was in the house screaming to get out to play. I kept the setup the same for both boys (lazy on my part) plus I felt we needed to try something different with Rip.
Baxter
Session 1: Started with onside again
4' - went to the second set of poles the first time, correct
6' - correct
8' - correct
10' - went to the second set again, correct, correct
** he was definitely wrapping the first set the tightest I have seen him do and was driving to the second set!! Very happy about that
Session 2: Offside entries
Baxter drove right back from 6, 10, 12, 14 and 18' to the first set, checked up, wrapped and drove the line to the second set.
Session 3: Back to onside
Baxter drove back to the first set from 6, 10, 12' wrapped nice and drove the line. When I moved to 18' he went to the second set 2x's but then did a final one perfect.
Session 4: 5 cookies left
I did 2 offside weave entries from 18' and 24', I was very happy with his performance/understanding of what I was asking of him. I did 4 onside entries, 12' correct, moved to 18' and the first two times he went to the second set but finished with 2 perfect ones from 18' back!
So the second set of weave poles has definitely helped in his bending around the first set of poles from onside. Tomorrow I plan to do the same angle but move the second set in to 8-10' apart.
Ripley
What a difference having the poles at 1 & 7 was for little Rip today!
Session 1: Did onside entries first since this used to be his problem...now he is better here!
6' - went to second set 2 times, correct, correct
8' - correct 2x's
9' - correct
Session 2: Offside entries - now the new challenge!
Rip was not understanding offside today and was not driving past pole 1 and wrapping it but instead going from 2 to 1 the wrong way.
3' - 3 wrong, 1 correct each time for a total of 5 cookies :(
Session 3: Stayed on offside entries
3' - 5 correct, 2 wrong in the session
Session 4: Stayed on offside again
3' - correct, wrong, correct
4' - 2 wrong, correct
5' - correct, correct
Session 5: Went back to onside with 3 cookies left
18' - correct 3 times in a row.
So it seems that with the poles angled that he understood the onside entry better. He understands that he needs to enter with his left shoulder but doesn't understand that he is suppose to be driving to the second poles when offside entries were used. I am going to move the second set of poles closer tonight so maybe he will start to see the direction she is suppose to go. I am kind of glad that he is getting the onside though.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sept 25th - at the barn
Another night at the barn with the boys. It was soo hot in there tonight but at least after 4 hours were weren't frozen human popsicles, lol.
Rip & Phe
Session 1: Hand Touches. Ripley did not do as well tonight with his hand touches. He got frustrated really fast and did more biting than touching. I did eventually get the 5 I wanted but my poor hand suffered for it ;)
Session 2: It's Yer Choice with Andrea being Goofy. I was very proud of the little man on this one. Andrea (like I did to Phe) really tried to entice Rip to go see her. It took him 4 tries to understand that he wasn't getting what he wanted without giving me what I wanted. After he realized, no matter what Andrea did, he was focused on me. At first I thought maybe I was luring him with the food though it was in my opposite hand but when the food went away he still remained with me.
Session 3: Set Point with Hoop at 16-22-26-22-16. Rip did the first 2 nicely but when it came to the 26" height he went around but I was able to beat him to the cookie. I reset him back up and he did it perfect the next time. Overall it went nicely.
Session 4: Nothing But Net using the Bench and a couple of cookies. We started with the cookies about 5' away from the bench and moved it a foot closer each time. I wasn't really sure he knew they were there as he didn't even think to go for the cookie but Andrea was sure he was looking out of the corner of his eye. We think that next time a toy would be a much more rewarding object than the cookie so we will see if he can work though that.
Session 5: Tight Turn One Jump. Rip has such a nice tight turn. We made him stretch more and did not reward ok ones, they had to be tight. I worked back to about 6' with him going out and turning back nice.
Session 6: Teeter. I am so proud of Rip-roar :) We started with teeter bangs and he just doesn't stick them the way Phe can. Phe had gone first and did amazing bangs with the teeter 2 1/2 feet off the ground...never thinks about anything but nailing the contact. Then she did the teeter, beautiful. When Rip did the bangs, sometimes his back end would fly off and he would swing back to get it on. We decided to try a full teeter anyway with Andrea bringing it down to help. He did the first nice then she helped but allowed it to bang the next time, still good drive down and maintained his bottom. We did a full one and he was awesome! We did one more to confirm that it didn't scare him and he drove it down again and maintained his bottom. YAY!
Session 7: Restrained Recalls. Did I ever mention this dog was suppose to be a flyball dog?! He has the most amazing restrained recalls and nails his tuggie. I am so glad he is doing well in agility these days but I can see why the rest of his litter are flyball superstars :)
Overall this was an awesome training session. Both Rip and Phe were on tonight and did not waste any time getting through all this in less than an hour! Gotta love those little dogs.
Baxter & Peso
Session 1: Set Point with Hoop at 16-22-26-22-16. Baxter did this nice. He maintained his sit/stays really nicely and I did minimal bouncing back for rewards.
Session 2: Tight Turn One Jump. Baxter just can't turn well off his right lead :( I started very close to the jump and we raked the dirt to know where his paws were landing. He literally jumps the jump at a diagonal and then after landing thinks about turning. He actually turned left and went around the far end of the jump!! omg. We worked him on this and he definitely improved though. Once he realized what we wanted. The problem that I am starting to see (good thing for doing notes) is that if I don't reward what he gives me, he tries to find other things to give me instead of maybe making it tighter. He couldn't do this with any type of speed.
Session 3: Nothing But Net Teeter - move tunnel closer and closer to end. This was a fun exercise. He had a hard time maintaining a sit/stay as the two most fun things were right in front of him. But he did do it and only needed minimal correction. He bit the tunnel the first time (with Andrea risking life and limb jumping in front of him unsuccesfully, lol). He realized and did a great job. Oh I am lying, we let him go through it when it was 1' away and the next time he just went through it :) Went back and he maintained his stay for the last one.
Session 4: 3 Jump Serp, Threadle, Push Through. It took me 2 tries to get in the right position for the serp. First time I went too fast and had my threadle arm up too early. The next time he was a bit of a butt head but I was right. The third time was beautiful :) I was close to the jump line and he did it so nice and tight. The Push Through was a bit of a challenge as he was coming into it with speed but after a few tries to see where I needed to be, he did it perfect. The threadle he took jump 2 the first time but I gave him too much speed into jump 1. The next time he came back through very nicely between both jumps. The jumps were set 3' apart from each other only.
Rip & Phe
Session 1: Hand Touches. Ripley did not do as well tonight with his hand touches. He got frustrated really fast and did more biting than touching. I did eventually get the 5 I wanted but my poor hand suffered for it ;)
Session 2: It's Yer Choice with Andrea being Goofy. I was very proud of the little man on this one. Andrea (like I did to Phe) really tried to entice Rip to go see her. It took him 4 tries to understand that he wasn't getting what he wanted without giving me what I wanted. After he realized, no matter what Andrea did, he was focused on me. At first I thought maybe I was luring him with the food though it was in my opposite hand but when the food went away he still remained with me.
Session 3: Set Point with Hoop at 16-22-26-22-16. Rip did the first 2 nicely but when it came to the 26" height he went around but I was able to beat him to the cookie. I reset him back up and he did it perfect the next time. Overall it went nicely.
Session 4: Nothing But Net using the Bench and a couple of cookies. We started with the cookies about 5' away from the bench and moved it a foot closer each time. I wasn't really sure he knew they were there as he didn't even think to go for the cookie but Andrea was sure he was looking out of the corner of his eye. We think that next time a toy would be a much more rewarding object than the cookie so we will see if he can work though that.
Session 5: Tight Turn One Jump. Rip has such a nice tight turn. We made him stretch more and did not reward ok ones, they had to be tight. I worked back to about 6' with him going out and turning back nice.
Session 6: Teeter. I am so proud of Rip-roar :) We started with teeter bangs and he just doesn't stick them the way Phe can. Phe had gone first and did amazing bangs with the teeter 2 1/2 feet off the ground...never thinks about anything but nailing the contact. Then she did the teeter, beautiful. When Rip did the bangs, sometimes his back end would fly off and he would swing back to get it on. We decided to try a full teeter anyway with Andrea bringing it down to help. He did the first nice then she helped but allowed it to bang the next time, still good drive down and maintained his bottom. We did a full one and he was awesome! We did one more to confirm that it didn't scare him and he drove it down again and maintained his bottom. YAY!
Session 7: Restrained Recalls. Did I ever mention this dog was suppose to be a flyball dog?! He has the most amazing restrained recalls and nails his tuggie. I am so glad he is doing well in agility these days but I can see why the rest of his litter are flyball superstars :)
Overall this was an awesome training session. Both Rip and Phe were on tonight and did not waste any time getting through all this in less than an hour! Gotta love those little dogs.
Baxter & Peso
Session 1: Set Point with Hoop at 16-22-26-22-16. Baxter did this nice. He maintained his sit/stays really nicely and I did minimal bouncing back for rewards.
Session 2: Tight Turn One Jump. Baxter just can't turn well off his right lead :( I started very close to the jump and we raked the dirt to know where his paws were landing. He literally jumps the jump at a diagonal and then after landing thinks about turning. He actually turned left and went around the far end of the jump!! omg. We worked him on this and he definitely improved though. Once he realized what we wanted. The problem that I am starting to see (good thing for doing notes) is that if I don't reward what he gives me, he tries to find other things to give me instead of maybe making it tighter. He couldn't do this with any type of speed.
Session 3: Nothing But Net Teeter - move tunnel closer and closer to end. This was a fun exercise. He had a hard time maintaining a sit/stay as the two most fun things were right in front of him. But he did do it and only needed minimal correction. He bit the tunnel the first time (with Andrea risking life and limb jumping in front of him unsuccesfully, lol). He realized and did a great job. Oh I am lying, we let him go through it when it was 1' away and the next time he just went through it :) Went back and he maintained his stay for the last one.
Session 4: 3 Jump Serp, Threadle, Push Through. It took me 2 tries to get in the right position for the serp. First time I went too fast and had my threadle arm up too early. The next time he was a bit of a butt head but I was right. The third time was beautiful :) I was close to the jump line and he did it so nice and tight. The Push Through was a bit of a challenge as he was coming into it with speed but after a few tries to see where I needed to be, he did it perfect. The threadle he took jump 2 the first time but I gave him too much speed into jump 1. The next time he came back through very nicely between both jumps. The jumps were set 3' apart from each other only.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Sept 24th - at home
Tonight we worked on 2x2 weaves again. I used white milkbone cookies again. I also kept the weave poles in the same position as 2 nights ago. My neighbour Sabrina was nice enough to do my record keeping for me so I have more accurate stats on what the boys actually did ;) I think I need her all the time or else I will be outside for hours writing after each one. Ripley was a complete challenge today, not really understanding why I would want him to go around an open pair when he knows how to weave and would go along the weave line.
Ripley
Session 1: I worked offside entries first (next time, I think I will start with onside)
3' - correct
5' - 3 wrong
moved to 4' - correct
5' - correct
8' - correct
Session 2: Moved to onside entries
3' - 4 wrong, 1 correct
4' - 7 wrong
moved to 3' - correct
4' - 5 wrong, 1 correct
5' - 2 wrong, 1 correct
Session 3: Moved back to offside (for his sanity and mine!!)
3' - correct
5' - correct
8' - wide, correct, wide
Session 4: Onside again
3' - 4 wrong
moved to 2' - 2 correct
3' - 4 wrong, 1 correct, 4 wrong, 1 correct, 1 wrong, 1 correct
What I am finding is that he is super fast and takes off to do it but was coming back frustrated and barking to take off and do it wrong again. I did not rev him up before sending as he is reved up by himself! He went onto his bed in between sessions and relaxed on it. He does not move until released and seems happy to just lay there.
Baxter
Today was much more successful for B! It was a nice treat after the spazy black guy before him, lol. Baxter also used his bed between sessions and drives right to it.
Session 1: I started him onside as this seems to be both boys issue!
2' - bit wide but correct
4' - wide no treat, wrong, correct
6' - correct, correct
9' - correct
Session 2: Moved to offside
6', 8', 10', 12' and 14' - all correct on the first try, great drive up, checking and wrapping the first pole then driving down the reward line.
Session 3: Back to onside
6' - correct
8' - wide no treat, did the impaling jump backwards the next 2 times (yikes!!)
moved back to 6' - 3 correct
8' - correct
Session 4: Stayed onside
6' - correct
8' - correct
10' - wide no treat, 3 correct (but all 3 were a bit wide but I still treated)
Session 5: 2 offside, 2 onside to end the night
12' offside - 2 correct
12' onside - jumped backwards, wrong, 2 correct (both a little bit wide)
So as you can see, Baxter had some really good improvements. I need to figure out how to get him to wrap pole 2 from the onside position though, maybe putting a second set of 2 poles there will help him to drive around the pole and go forward to the next? Need to see what Andrea thinks when I see her at the barn tomorrow.
Ripley
Session 1: I worked offside entries first (next time, I think I will start with onside)
3' - correct
5' - 3 wrong
moved to 4' - correct
5' - correct
8' - correct
Session 2: Moved to onside entries
3' - 4 wrong, 1 correct
4' - 7 wrong
moved to 3' - correct
4' - 5 wrong, 1 correct
5' - 2 wrong, 1 correct
Session 3: Moved back to offside (for his sanity and mine!!)
3' - correct
5' - correct
8' - wide, correct, wide
Session 4: Onside again
3' - 4 wrong
moved to 2' - 2 correct
3' - 4 wrong, 1 correct, 4 wrong, 1 correct, 1 wrong, 1 correct
What I am finding is that he is super fast and takes off to do it but was coming back frustrated and barking to take off and do it wrong again. I did not rev him up before sending as he is reved up by himself! He went onto his bed in between sessions and relaxed on it. He does not move until released and seems happy to just lay there.
Baxter
Today was much more successful for B! It was a nice treat after the spazy black guy before him, lol. Baxter also used his bed between sessions and drives right to it.
Session 1: I started him onside as this seems to be both boys issue!
2' - bit wide but correct
4' - wide no treat, wrong, correct
6' - correct, correct
9' - correct
Session 2: Moved to offside
6', 8', 10', 12' and 14' - all correct on the first try, great drive up, checking and wrapping the first pole then driving down the reward line.
Session 3: Back to onside
6' - correct
8' - wide no treat, did the impaling jump backwards the next 2 times (yikes!!)
moved back to 6' - 3 correct
8' - correct
Session 4: Stayed onside
6' - correct
8' - correct
10' - wide no treat, 3 correct (but all 3 were a bit wide but I still treated)
Session 5: 2 offside, 2 onside to end the night
12' offside - 2 correct
12' onside - jumped backwards, wrong, 2 correct (both a little bit wide)
So as you can see, Baxter had some really good improvements. I need to figure out how to get him to wrap pole 2 from the onside position though, maybe putting a second set of 2 poles there will help him to drive around the pole and go forward to the next? Need to see what Andrea thinks when I see her at the barn tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Sept 23rd - at the barn
Back at the barn tonight with Andrea, Phoenix, Peso, Ripley and Baxter. We train the puppies, Ripley & Phoenix, (who are now getting too old to be called "puppies") together and we train the big boys, Baxter & Peso, together.
Phoenix & Ripley
Session 1: 5 hand touches, feed with motion, send to crate and reward in crate, release 5 hand touches, send to crate and reward, release 5 more touches send to crate.
Ripley did this great! I couldn't believe how good he actually did the hand touches without trying to bite me (long story but it is something he has done since a pup). I think he liked that I was moving away from him for the treat...no time for biting :)
Session 2: It's Your Choice Game - using Andrea as Ripley's distraction. It only took Rip 3 times of being backed up to realize he had to walk beside me to get where he wanted to go. We were able to walk right up and past Andrea without him leaving my side or looking away. We did this 3 times and then walked right up to her where he sat down. I released him to say hi and then he recalled right back to me. We did this 2 times...very nice!
Session 3: Set Point Work with Spread Jump 16-22-26-22-16. Ripley did the 16 & 22 quite nicely. Andrea thought we should move him back as he was coming off the first jump short, when we did that for the 26" jump he landed even shorter and then crashed (and I mean crashed!) the 26" jump and landed in a heap. We moved him back to his original start position and he jumped it nice again. I was a bit worried about him being afraid as that was the way he used to be but was very brave and didn't think twice.
Session 4: Greg Derrett two jump front cross (basically wraping two jumps back and forth), once each side. Rip did well on this and wrapped the jumps very close. He did knock some bars and I need to really watch my movement while he is over the jump. Will actually have to work on teaching him that he needs to keep the bars up even if I do move (I have a feeling not moving will be hard for me...he is so fast)
Session5: Greg Derrett three jump front cross (basically front cross in pinwheel) moving second jump closer to third on each rep, dog on left and then on right. This was a bit of a disaster! This was Rip's first time actually putting 3 jumps together and he had a hard time focusing on the first jump when he could see the second one. Once I got him over the first two I was not making the front cross properly and he was either taking down jump 2 or 3. Andrea kept saying I was late and tried to que me for when to turn but still had problems. We moved to just doing jump 1 & 2 to see if my movement was the reason for the bar coming down. Nope...not me, he still took number 2 down! :( Andrea then tried to run him to see if it was me but she had the same issues. She said compared to Phe that he was more vibrating...yes, that is the perfect way to describe this crazy boy. We ended with one good one.
Peso & Baxter
Session 1: Set Point work with Spread 16-22-26-22-16. Baxter did this well. He maintained his stay for all 5 with me bouncing back and forth on when the reinforcement and release would come.
Session 2: Nothing but Net with Dogwalk with 2 distractions. I used a bowl with cookies at end of dog walk for the first one. We started with it about 6' away and you should have seen B's eyes! They were huge when he saw the cookies in front of him. He still nailed his position and released to me but really really thought about beating Andrea to the bowl of cookies!! (Sadly, I didn't beat Peso to the bowl and he got a few on his first turn (sorry Andrea!!!) but at least I beat him when it was right in front of him :)) We moved it to 4' away, 2' away, then right beside him. He did all great. We then moved to a ball thrown ahead while he went into position, no movement and then a ball thrown while he was on the downramp. He still stuck his position so I was very happy with him. He did need a few reminders to walk "with me" on the way back and bit the dust on a couple of tunnel discriminations :(
Session 3: Greg Derret 3 jump f/c on left and on right. Baxter did this really well. I am starting to get the correct timing for him at the take off/commitment point. He had nice tight turns to jump number 3.
Phoenix & Ripley
Session 1: 5 hand touches, feed with motion, send to crate and reward in crate, release 5 hand touches, send to crate and reward, release 5 more touches send to crate.
Ripley did this great! I couldn't believe how good he actually did the hand touches without trying to bite me (long story but it is something he has done since a pup). I think he liked that I was moving away from him for the treat...no time for biting :)
Session 2: It's Your Choice Game - using Andrea as Ripley's distraction. It only took Rip 3 times of being backed up to realize he had to walk beside me to get where he wanted to go. We were able to walk right up and past Andrea without him leaving my side or looking away. We did this 3 times and then walked right up to her where he sat down. I released him to say hi and then he recalled right back to me. We did this 2 times...very nice!
Session 3: Set Point Work with Spread Jump 16-22-26-22-16. Ripley did the 16 & 22 quite nicely. Andrea thought we should move him back as he was coming off the first jump short, when we did that for the 26" jump he landed even shorter and then crashed (and I mean crashed!) the 26" jump and landed in a heap. We moved him back to his original start position and he jumped it nice again. I was a bit worried about him being afraid as that was the way he used to be but was very brave and didn't think twice.
Session 4: Greg Derrett two jump front cross (basically wraping two jumps back and forth), once each side. Rip did well on this and wrapped the jumps very close. He did knock some bars and I need to really watch my movement while he is over the jump. Will actually have to work on teaching him that he needs to keep the bars up even if I do move (I have a feeling not moving will be hard for me...he is so fast)
Session5: Greg Derrett three jump front cross (basically front cross in pinwheel) moving second jump closer to third on each rep, dog on left and then on right. This was a bit of a disaster! This was Rip's first time actually putting 3 jumps together and he had a hard time focusing on the first jump when he could see the second one. Once I got him over the first two I was not making the front cross properly and he was either taking down jump 2 or 3. Andrea kept saying I was late and tried to que me for when to turn but still had problems. We moved to just doing jump 1 & 2 to see if my movement was the reason for the bar coming down. Nope...not me, he still took number 2 down! :( Andrea then tried to run him to see if it was me but she had the same issues. She said compared to Phe that he was more vibrating...yes, that is the perfect way to describe this crazy boy. We ended with one good one.
Peso & Baxter
Session 1: Set Point work with Spread 16-22-26-22-16. Baxter did this well. He maintained his stay for all 5 with me bouncing back and forth on when the reinforcement and release would come.
Session 2: Nothing but Net with Dogwalk with 2 distractions. I used a bowl with cookies at end of dog walk for the first one. We started with it about 6' away and you should have seen B's eyes! They were huge when he saw the cookies in front of him. He still nailed his position and released to me but really really thought about beating Andrea to the bowl of cookies!! (Sadly, I didn't beat Peso to the bowl and he got a few on his first turn (sorry Andrea!!!) but at least I beat him when it was right in front of him :)) We moved it to 4' away, 2' away, then right beside him. He did all great. We then moved to a ball thrown ahead while he went into position, no movement and then a ball thrown while he was on the downramp. He still stuck his position so I was very happy with him. He did need a few reminders to walk "with me" on the way back and bit the dust on a couple of tunnel discriminations :(
Session 3: Greg Derret 3 jump f/c on left and on right. Baxter did this really well. I am starting to get the correct timing for him at the take off/commitment point. He had nice tight turns to jump number 3.
Sept 22nd - at home
Tonight we started our 2x2 work. Even though Rip is keeping low and has a nice striding weave pole (as you can see by his video :)), I feel that I rushed his 2x2's and he may not fully understand to get the entry every time. For this reason, I am starting back at the start with him also.
Baxter
I decided to use white milkbone cookies for his treats and break them into 3 small pieces. I took a total of 5 pieces for each working session so that I did not work too long in a session.
Equipment: I used only 1 set of weave poles set at 1&7 staked.
Session 1: Working him on the offside portion of the circle. He had 5 successes in a row on this side. Each time we moved back a foot, his final one was at least 5' back from the weaves, he drove up and around the weave pole staying on the throw line, keeping his head down and tight to the poles. (I must admit, I was super thrilled with this and thought maybe he had got it!! lol)
Session 2: Moved to the onside portion of the circle. He got the entry with a fairly tight turn around pole 2 from 1' and 2' back. Once we got to 3' back he was running straight threw the poles to go the opposite of the reward line. No reward. Tried again, this time same thing but leaping through the poles (so scary), no reward. Moved back to 2' go it again but a bit wide on the turn around pole 2. Kept at 2' for next 2 to reward the tighter turn.
Session 3: Stayed on the onside portion of the circle. Started at 1' and 2' again. Did get one 3' one but he is definitely not turning around pole 2 as we would like. He did 2 times of going out to nearly the poles and then turning back along the reward line without having gone through any poles. Will have to talk to Andrea about idea's at the barn tomorrow. Kept at 2' for last 2 to get tighter turn.
Session 4: Did 3 cookies on off side, again he is much better from this side. 3 cookies onside, still no further back than 2-3'.
In between each session we worked on his bed. He drives to it and will maintain it while I get cookies ready for his next session.
Ripley
I also used white milkbone cookies for his treats. I took a total of 5 pieces for each working session so that I did not work too long in a session.
Equipment: I used only 1 set of weave poles set at fully open 3-9 and not staked.
First I actually worked Ripley on his bed (my neighbour was dogsitting and found one in our back shed! I didn't even know we had one so now Rip has his own already, lol) It only took him one working session to know that the best treats come on the bed. He maintained his stay in between sessions on his bed while I broke up his cookies.
Session 1: I started Rip within the top portion of the circle to ensure he remembered to run straight through and along the line. I did 5 cookies along the circle, he drove straight through the poles expecting his treat on the line and down. He was originally taught with treats as the toy was just too high for him.
Session 2: Working him on the offside portion of the circle. Each time I would move back about 1', holding his collar and reving him up, he had 5 perfect drives up to the poles, wrap around tight and expect the cookie on the line.
Session 3: Moved to the onside portion of the circle. After today I realize that I need to start both these boys onside first?! He got the entry with a fairly tight turn around pole 2 from 1', 2' and even 3' back. Once I moved to 4' he was actually weaving through the other direction but along the weave line and then expecting the treat at the 3 o'clock line?! I allowed him to try again 2 more times but each time he would weave those two poles and run along the 3 o'clock line. Moved back to 3' and he did it 2 more times with rewards.
Session 4: Did 3 cookies on offside and 3 onside at 1' 2' and 3', did great with all 6 holding his collar and reving him up.
Baxter
I decided to use white milkbone cookies for his treats and break them into 3 small pieces. I took a total of 5 pieces for each working session so that I did not work too long in a session.
Equipment: I used only 1 set of weave poles set at 1&7 staked.
Session 1: Working him on the offside portion of the circle. He had 5 successes in a row on this side. Each time we moved back a foot, his final one was at least 5' back from the weaves, he drove up and around the weave pole staying on the throw line, keeping his head down and tight to the poles. (I must admit, I was super thrilled with this and thought maybe he had got it!! lol)
Session 2: Moved to the onside portion of the circle. He got the entry with a fairly tight turn around pole 2 from 1' and 2' back. Once we got to 3' back he was running straight threw the poles to go the opposite of the reward line. No reward. Tried again, this time same thing but leaping through the poles (so scary), no reward. Moved back to 2' go it again but a bit wide on the turn around pole 2. Kept at 2' for next 2 to reward the tighter turn.
Session 3: Stayed on the onside portion of the circle. Started at 1' and 2' again. Did get one 3' one but he is definitely not turning around pole 2 as we would like. He did 2 times of going out to nearly the poles and then turning back along the reward line without having gone through any poles. Will have to talk to Andrea about idea's at the barn tomorrow. Kept at 2' for last 2 to get tighter turn.
Session 4: Did 3 cookies on off side, again he is much better from this side. 3 cookies onside, still no further back than 2-3'.
In between each session we worked on his bed. He drives to it and will maintain it while I get cookies ready for his next session.
Ripley
I also used white milkbone cookies for his treats. I took a total of 5 pieces for each working session so that I did not work too long in a session.
Equipment: I used only 1 set of weave poles set at fully open 3-9 and not staked.
First I actually worked Ripley on his bed (my neighbour was dogsitting and found one in our back shed! I didn't even know we had one so now Rip has his own already, lol) It only took him one working session to know that the best treats come on the bed. He maintained his stay in between sessions on his bed while I broke up his cookies.
Session 1: I started Rip within the top portion of the circle to ensure he remembered to run straight through and along the line. I did 5 cookies along the circle, he drove straight through the poles expecting his treat on the line and down. He was originally taught with treats as the toy was just too high for him.
Session 2: Working him on the offside portion of the circle. Each time I would move back about 1', holding his collar and reving him up, he had 5 perfect drives up to the poles, wrap around tight and expect the cookie on the line.
Session 3: Moved to the onside portion of the circle. After today I realize that I need to start both these boys onside first?! He got the entry with a fairly tight turn around pole 2 from 1', 2' and even 3' back. Once I moved to 4' he was actually weaving through the other direction but along the weave line and then expecting the treat at the 3 o'clock line?! I allowed him to try again 2 more times but each time he would weave those two poles and run along the 3 o'clock line. Moved back to 3' and he did it 2 more times with rewards.
Session 4: Did 3 cookies on offside and 3 onside at 1' 2' and 3', did great with all 6 holding his collar and reving him up.
Sept 21st - Tracy Sklenar 2x2 Workshop
Baxter and I attended a half day 2x2 workshop with instructor Tracy Sklenar. She was an awesome presented/teacher and we had a really good day. I had originally taught B to weave with 2x2 and luring but now he seems to have issues getting into the weaves. I know you aren't suppose to think for your dogs but I know for sure he has trouble checking up before the weaves and I believe (with the confirmation from the chiro when his shoulders were out of line) that he hurts himself in the weaves. If you notice in the picture below, he really does move those poles..and no other dog's pics from this trial moved them like this! :(
So I have decided to go back to step one with B and see if we can get these weave pole entry issues and the driving through with this shoulders under control. Tracy helped lots and gave us lots of ideas to work on. B was showing that he is looking for a toy to come from the air rather than keep his head down and drive from his rear. I will work on rear end awareness exercises, desensitizing him from the throwing a toy action and see if we can get this to work.
So I have decided to go back to step one with B and see if we can get these weave pole entry issues and the driving through with this shoulders under control. Tracy helped lots and gave us lots of ideas to work on. B was showing that he is looking for a toy to come from the air rather than keep his head down and drive from his rear. I will work on rear end awareness exercises, desensitizing him from the throwing a toy action and see if we can get this to work.
Sept 18th - At the barn
So tonight we headed to the barn for the first time since last winter. All the dogs seemed to enjoy the indoors tonight and we had pretty great concentration from ours and the students dogs...gotta love that!
Lost my notes so once I find them, will update this day :))
Lost my notes so once I find them, will update this day :))
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Sept 17th - at home
Exercise 1 - Set Point Jumping. Jump 1 stayed at 10" the whole time
Baxter:
16", 22", 26", 22", 26"
Jumped nice over all the jumps focusing forward each time. Rewarded the forward focus throughout exercise
Ripley:
16", 22", 26", 22", 26"
Went around the second jump the first two times to get to the toy. I was able to step on it first so was not rewarded.
Once he realized what was expected, he jumped very nice over all the heights. Good forward focus to the toy each time. Did crouch on the sit/wait.
Exercise 2 - Serp work over 1 jump
Baxter:
Jump set at 26" the whole time
He is really understanding the arm crossing my chest means to take the jump and then rewarding with the toy in my other hand around the jump. He is slicing the jump awesome and kept the bar up each time.
Ripley:
Jump set at 22" to start.
This was Rip's first time trying this exercise. He truly did not understand the arm and kept trying to run under the jump and then would go around and jump it correctly. I don't think he understood to jump into such a small place with his mom standing there :) With the help of an extra bar to keep him from going under! we did have success in the end. Still not comfortable but always wanting to please. Again he is moving into a crouch position in front of the jump!
Exercise 3 - Threadle work with 2 jumps
Baxter:
Jump set at 26"
Baxter is understanding the body/shoulder change really well and was turning right back and going right for his tug at 1 jump. He did 1 jump beautiful 3 times so we moved onto 2. He really worked nicely, turning right in, slicing the jump back out to come right back to his tug. No bars down!
Ripley:
Jump set at 22 & 26" alternating
Ripley really understands this exercise. He has an incredible ability to turn his body and being so agility this is easy for him. He did the 1 jump beautiful but I did not do 2 jumps with him today. Maybe tomorrow :)
Exercise 4 - Serp with 2 jumps
Baxter:
Jumps set at 26"
Baxter was doing this awesome. He is working much better these days in closer proximity to the jump. I made sure to get out of his way but stay within 2' of the jumps as I was moving right or left. He definitely jumps better on his right lead but was doing good both directions.
Ripley:
Did not do this exercise with him today. I felt we needed a better handle on the 1 jump first.
Exercise 5 - Push through with 1 jump
Baxter:
Jump set at 26"
Baxter really understands the step in means to go around the jump and take it! I am so impressed at how easy he picked this up. He did take the bar down at first on the left lead (if I remember correctly) as he wasn't getting his body into the air as he was trying to make the turn/jump too fast. In the end he was keeping all bars up and with jump my leg stepping in he knew what to do.
Ripley:
Jump set at 22" & 26"
Ripley also got this right away. He did sometimes take the bar down when he wasn't trying to jump properly but overall did great.
Exercise 6 - Push through with 2 jumps
Baxter & Ripley
Both dogs did this great too! I had to sit Ripley up looking forward at jump 1 instead of on a serp angle but otherwise he did great. We will work on his more tomorrow I expect.
Baxter worked on his bed in between exercises. He is very good at going directly to the bed and does not move while I work on setting up the next exercise. I left him in a stay while I went in to get treats etc and he was perfect. I also worked on making sure there was no flanking! He tried a couple of times without luck :)
Ripley I noticed today is a flanker! Oh god :( I will have to keep my eye on that as I don't want Susan mad at me for having another one do that to me, lol. I also did a bit of work with him on B's bed. When I was setting the next exercise he would sit on it :)
Tomorrow's plan:
We are training at the barn tomorrow. We will be working on jump grids, set point jumps with the spread as jump 2, we will also work on push throughs. I would like to see what Andrea thinks of Ripley's non-desire to jump the 1 jump like a serp to see if I am doing something wrong. I expect we will do some contacts too.
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