A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
First off, I understand that dogs have off days just like we do. My 15 month old Large Munsterlander, has just never "taken a day off" before, much less two in a row.
That said, I suspect it is something I am missing, or causing. We had an upbeat, 30-45 minute session on Thursday, working on marked and a few blind retrieves. He was focused and energetic as usual. ( it was 55 degrees outside)
Friday evening and again this morning, we had a some focus and motivational shortcomings. (It had warmed up to 75-80 degrees, that's the only real environmental difference)
He is FF trained, e-collar trained, and normally very responsive, normally very few light stims.
(I have always used Jim Dobbs' Tri-Tronics Retriever Training as a primary program)
I was not introducing new exercises or challenges, just working on casting, initial lining etc.
It was probably just my tone, or posture.....I don't think he initiated it, I think he was responding to me. (He is my first LM,and is a little more sensitive than my Labs)
It's not a big deal, experienced this before, just not with him. I'm sure it will take care of itself, as long I maintain a consistent approach. Thoughts.......
That said, I suspect it is something I am missing, or causing. We had an upbeat, 30-45 minute session on Thursday, working on marked and a few blind retrieves. He was focused and energetic as usual. ( it was 55 degrees outside)
Friday evening and again this morning, we had a some focus and motivational shortcomings. (It had warmed up to 75-80 degrees, that's the only real environmental difference)
He is FF trained, e-collar trained, and normally very responsive, normally very few light stims.
(I have always used Jim Dobbs' Tri-Tronics Retriever Training as a primary program)
I was not introducing new exercises or challenges, just working on casting, initial lining etc.
It was probably just my tone, or posture.....I don't think he initiated it, I think he was responding to me. (He is my first LM,and is a little more sensitive than my Labs)
It's not a big deal, experienced this before, just not with him. I'm sure it will take care of itself, as long I maintain a consistent approach. Thoughts.......
Re: A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
Is the dog feeling okay? A dog with a bug, even a small one won't perform as we'll.
Re: A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
Seems to be feeling fine FD, good appetite, hydrated, moving well.
I am going to take him to a completely new place this evening to get in some light, upbeat work.
Thanks for the response, I will watch him close, as usual.
I am going to take him to a completely new place this evening to get in some light, upbeat work.
Thanks for the response, I will watch him close, as usual.
- roaniecowpony
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Re: A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
I've been keeping my sessions as short as possible. I may be out for a few hours at the training grounds, but most of that time the dog is kenneled while I set up launchers, or the backer, or just take breaks. That seems to keep my dog focused. In that few hours, my dog may only be on the ground for a few minutes for each session.
Re: A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
Take the dog for a run, give it a break from the routine. A break does dogs a lot of good at times
Mo
Mo
Re: A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
Mo is right. Take a day off, and do something fun. Like a hike in the woods. Keep him obedient, but make it fun.
Re: A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
Thanks folks,
I took him to a new place and went for a good long walk, no training, just exploring and letting him do "regular" dog stuff.
We also visited one of his favorite secluded swimming holes, he wore himself out having fun.
Like roanie suggested, I had already decided to shorten his sessions. He catches on quickly to new lessons and training exercises, I have to keep it fresh while still reinforcing the previously learned disciplines.
Thanks again for the input.
I took him to a new place and went for a good long walk, no training, just exploring and letting him do "regular" dog stuff.
We also visited one of his favorite secluded swimming holes, he wore himself out having fun.
Like roanie suggested, I had already decided to shorten his sessions. He catches on quickly to new lessons and training exercises, I have to keep it fresh while still reinforcing the previously learned disciplines.
Thanks again for the input.
Re: A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
The dog is a teenager. What did you expect?
Re: A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
[quote="LeonStagg"]I am going to take him to a completely new place this evening to get in some light, upbeat work.
quote]
"Take the dog for a run, give it a break from the routine. A break does dogs a lot of good at times." Maurice
...........................
Both good posts.
quote]
"Take the dog for a run, give it a break from the routine. A break does dogs a lot of good at times." Maurice
...........................
Both good posts.
" We are more than our gender, skin color, class, sexuality or age; we are unlimited potential, and can not be defined by one label." quote A. Bartlett
Re: A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
Curious - when would those "very few light stims" be applied?LeonStagg wrote:He is FF trained, e-collar trained, and normally very responsive, normally very few light stims. (I have always used Jim Dobbs' Tri-Tronics Retriever Training as a primary program)
MG
Re: A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
I rarely have to use any stimulation, the collar is worn to reinforce a rare break in obedience, and for safety at this point.
He learned early to "turn off" light stimulation by compliance to the direction he was receiving. I do not use the momentary feature of the collar. I use the continuous stimulus, as quickly as he begins to comply with the command, the stimulus ceases, pretty simple really.
He avoids stimulation by quick compliance.
I use a Tritronics Pro 100 and he responds to a very low level of stimulation, setting #2 on the dial, low continuous button on the bottom.
Good question, especially in light of the way I worded the original post,I just don't think it is an issue here, there are lots of posts on that subject.
He learned early to "turn off" light stimulation by compliance to the direction he was receiving. I do not use the momentary feature of the collar. I use the continuous stimulus, as quickly as he begins to comply with the command, the stimulus ceases, pretty simple really.
He avoids stimulation by quick compliance.
I use a Tritronics Pro 100 and he responds to a very low level of stimulation, setting #2 on the dial, low continuous button on the bottom.
Good question, especially in light of the way I worded the original post,I just don't think it is an issue here, there are lots of posts on that subject.
Re: A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
Thanks, Leon - here's the thing
How you're using the e-collar
I'm amused by the pointing dog people telling you (and your dog) to take a day off. Retrievers don't take a day off from training, nor do they "need" one; they may have an off-day, as do all creatures great and small, but you the handler get right back on that horse at first opportunity - especially with casting and lining drills.
Good luck,
MG
- retriever training - which is what Dobbs' methods originally entailed - has greatly advanced use of the e-collar and the real advancing has come via indirect pressure, which is summed up in a word as the "nick" (momentary stimulation) method. Moreover, the biggest advances have been made in working with sensitive Labs, mostly females. With a Grosser Munsterlander, you've got what I would consider one of the more sensitive versatile breeds. So you might want to look into indirect pressure and its application.LeonStagg wrote:He is FF trained, e-collar trained, and normally very responsive, normally very few light stims.
(I have always used Jim Dobbs' Tri-Tronics Retriever Training as a primary program)
I was not introducing new exercises or challenges, just working on casting, initial lining etc.
It was probably just my tone, or posture.....I don't think he initiated it, I think he was responding to me. (He is my first LM,and is a little more sensitive than my Labs)
How you're using the e-collar
is the preventive way favored by pointing dog trainers, not the proactive way the e-collar's used via indirect pressure on retrievers (and retrieving gundogs that are advanced in their training).LeonStagg wrote:I rarely have to use any stimulation, the collar is worn to reinforce a rare break in obedience, and for safety at this point.
I'm amused by the pointing dog people telling you (and your dog) to take a day off. Retrievers don't take a day off from training, nor do they "need" one; they may have an off-day, as do all creatures great and small, but you the handler get right back on that horse at first opportunity - especially with casting and lining drills.
Good luck,
MG
- Bluesky2012
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A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
MG could you expand on your comment about preventative vs proactive ecollar use
"it shot a many shell over the top of an old bird dog"
Re: A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
Sure, Bluesky, it's as simple as
vs.
a training program that centers around use of the e-collar in teaching, for retrievers (and retrieving gundogs trained to an advanced level).
MG
for pointing dogs...the collar is worn to reinforce a rare break in obedience, and for safety
vs.
a training program that centers around use of the e-collar in teaching, for retrievers (and retrieving gundogs trained to an advanced level).
MG
Re: A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
Thanks MG,
Good council and insight.
Good council and insight.
Re: A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
Here he is at 8 months on a mourning dove hunt.
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Re: A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
His first waterfowl hunt at 11 months, Palacios TX. First duck of the season,Spoonbill retrieve.
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Re: A Couple of Poor Training Days in a Row
You may need to break your training sessions down into smaller parts. Dogs don't understand concepts very well.
Nate
Nate