Always Training. Always Learning.


Saturday, August 25, 2012

A Matter of Timing

I have been thinking a lot about different types of training and why and how they are effective. The one thing that jumps out at me is timing.

I have never seen a good trainer who did not have wonderful timing. Knowing when to react or reward, Knowing the precise moment to release and praise can make a world off difference between success and failure.

As an example I will use client A and B. They are father and son and own a medium sized mixed breed dog, Red.
A is very unsure of himself and tends to hesitate before giving a command or verbal correction. The dog will listen to him to an extent but tends to be very un reliable.
When B takes the leash he is just as unsure but pays attention to Red and both rewards and corrects in a timely manner. Because of this Red is capable of doing off leash exercises while handled by B.

Same dog, two unsure handlers. The timing makes all the difference.

It really doesn't matter what style of training you practice timing has very large part to play.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Wordless Wednesday


Cassin decided to help me out at an adoption event last weekend. She is getting so big :)

Sorry I lied about the wordless part.

Monday, August 6, 2012

If A Toddler Can Do it

My son always wants to help with the dogs. Since he has trained with Violet in a few classes and listens very well himself he has earned the privilege of walking Violet. Don't be fooled by Violet's extensive obedience background if she smells a sucker on the other end of the leash her manners fly out the window. My son has worked hard teaching her to listen to him. 







"Viowet down"
My son is only 3 years old. If a toddler can do it theres no reason you can't.

Note: For safety reasons they stay close enough that if needed I could give Violet a verbal command just in case.