This morning we started out with scent work since I wanted to take advantage of new help. (thanks, Jen) Sanity worked the 12 o'clock position without a single hitch. So when afternoon rolled around I moved on to the 1 o'clock 3 o'clock position. She was a little shaky but managed to get in two good ones after only a couple of false starts that required me to correct her. She is starting to heed verbal corrections now and I suspect I will be moving to the ecollar all together before too much longer.
This evenings class was like one being taught under water. Everyone and everything was just so slow and sort of dead. I know I hurt so much if it wasn't my responsibility to unlock the building and run the Utility class I would have begged to stay home. I couldn't seem to make myself focus properly so wasn't the least bit surprised when Sanity had a really difficult time with her focus and her ability to remember she needs to use her nose to figure out which article is which. She did manage to figure it out in the end.
One nice thing I noticed is that she is becoming more in tune to my needs and really kept a close eye on me. I take that to be a good sign. I did try to work her in Diane's class only to darn near wipe out half the class at one point or another. That is when I realized I needed to get off the training floor since I was turning into a menace. So I did. Somehow we made it through the Utility class and then home and bed.
Margot,
ReplyDeleteYou haven't mentioned the "shell game" lately, although you are doing scent work with Sanity. Was the shell game only used as an introduction to selecting for scent, or will you return to it when there are multiple objects from which she is to choose? Will it reappear when "what is wrong with this picture" is introduced?
Pat
They served their purpose and now will only be brought out as a "parlor trick" to amuse non-dog people.
ReplyDeleteBe patient. We have almost completed the clock pattern and once that is done and she is comfortable with the positions the third article will be introduced and we will move into different patterns.
Forgot to add that my deciding to use the "shell game" was because it was the wrong time of year for me to be doing it outside and making use of natural cover. The object was to teach her that "Find" means move away from me and look for something with your nose.
ReplyDeleteI see. And, I should have remembered the weather. You did say you were forced to teach scent this time under circumstances that were different than you usually use. Thank you!
ReplyDeletePat
Not a problem. I am just so happy that you and once in a great while others, are actually interested enough to follow along and the ask questions. My feeling that I must answer each question is a big help in keeping my own mind clear, focused and on target.
ReplyDeleteSo to all you questioners out there...thank you