I have been training towards entering Ivan in AKC Open Obedience in the hope of earning his CDX. Today we took Ivan to a “Show & Go” to access where he is in his training and to give him more ring experience in Open. In a Show & Go you can bring treats and toys into the ring. You can also do over any problem areas. In the video you will see that Ivan hesitates during the Retrieve on the Flat. He starts to go for the dumbbell but without any drive. I called him back and redid it. In a trial he would have received major points off or possibly not qualified. During the Retrieve over the jump twice when I threw the dumbbell it took a bad bounce and the mock judge had me re-throw it. Third time was a charm. Ivan did the 3 minute sit and 5 minute down, both are out of sight and he had no problem.
Very Nice! I love the heeling, great attitude and focus on you. Super!
I have the worst time throwing the dumbbells so I could really feel for you.
Thank you for sharing the video!
I love to see Ivan in action, whether you post photos or videos. He is always so attentive and focused. You guys always look so great together. Thanks to Jack for always being at the shows with the video running. You make us feel like we are there with you.
Now THAT is what I need to strive for with Dutch! When Ivan is heeling with you, he is glued to your left leg. Before you even move, he sets himself up there in the ready sit position as soon as you tell him to heel. It is just beautiful to watch again and again.
It was also a relief to see that even a dog like Ivan can sometimes show a lack of drive (in that first retrieve). We often wonder if our dogs will ever be capable of the kind of performance that Ivan (and Dylan!) give you so regularly, but obviously, it takes an enormous amount of time, devotion, patience, love, and energy – from both the handler and the dog! Right now, I am just thrilled with the incremental baby steps forward that Dutch has taken in this process. When we heel, he sits at my side when I stop, but usually too far back. What should I be doing to help him sit more forward, so that his chest lines up with my left leg? And he should be parallel, not off-line. But, his focus is so amazing. He tries so hard, and, in fact, will trip over objects on the floor at times because his sweet little face is always upturned toward me, watching for cues. I love working with him, but he deserves a better trainer.
Thank you so much for posting this great video!
Hi Beverely,
We have had to work really hard to develop Ivan’s drive. The ball on the rope has been the saving grace as he is now mad for it. Overall it has helped with everything.
As far as the sits, try slowing down and taking a smaller step before you halt. Ivan also rocks back when he sits. I think it is because he is so large.
Thanks, Lynda! That is great advice. Taking a smaller step has already helped. Initially, though, I slowed down too much, and the step was so small he stopped and sat prematurely. Now, he’s not rocking back as much, but he is still angled toward me in his sit. I think it’s because his focus is so much on me. Perhaps I’ll try to move the lure out front just before I stop and he sits, so that his sit will be more parallel to me.
Dutch will work for liver chips, his skinny squirrel, the ball & rope, or almost anything I get him excited over. My home made liver treats leave a scent in my hand that lingers, and I can get him to work just because he thinks there is something in my hand. Is that legal? My hand definitely wouldn’t pass a sniff test by the judge!
Thank you for sharing, Lynda. I always enjoy Jack’s videos. Ivan’s heeling and focus on you is super.
Ahhhh I love watching this! Thank you so much for sharing.
Ivan heeling looked good in this video because he knew I had the ball !! I’m trying to get him to heel like that when I don’t have the ball…which he always seems to know…!
Put it in your armpit and have someone come up on your right side and reach across your back and pull it out. Then have them put it back as you come out of the ring.
Either that or try cheese in your hair.
I think I will try your first suggestion Julie…. not the second one!! LOL!
I have tried passing the ball off going into the ring but never thought of getting it back as I come out of the ring like that. Thanks for the tip.
You guys look great!