Need some DW feedback

I was wondering if you'd give me some opinions on the cause and training to fix an issue I'm having.

Koji has been doing great on his 2o2o DW contacts. If you recall, he had a running (not trained) then I started training a 4-on, but since that wasn't working, many people suggested a 2o2o since the criteria is easier for the dog to understand. So, that's what I've been training and we've been doing awesome!

Here's an issue I see creeping into his contacts. He's stopping short. So he's basically 4-on and sometimes anywhere from 6-12" from the bottom. This past weekend I waited him out and instead of going into a 2o2o, he bounced off. AUGH!

I've been told when he does something like this that he doesn't understand the 2o2o criteria. But I know he does, I just noticed that he slowly has been reverting to a 4-on and stupid me hadn't fixed it fast enough.

First, thoughts on why he's stopping so early. Do you think it's because he doesn't understand the 2o2o criteria? Or something else?

Second, how do I fix it? Do I just do a quickie back to square one, so I retrain the 2o2o and ingrain in his little brain that he's supposed to stop in that position?

Lastly, I did notice that his 2o2o DW has been translating to the Teeter. Problem is, he stops in a 4-on on the teeter then walks into a 2o2o. Do you think that could be the reason why he's stopping early?

Thoughts? And thanks. I haven't taken this to my trainer yet, but I think in the meantime, I will retrain from the beginning again to remind him what he's supposed to be doing.

 

Thanks Ashley.

I think for Koji, allowing it may not be a good thing. I think I will add in his target/touch again so that if it does happen at trial, I can ask him to touch. I rarely used a target, but now I'm seeing where it can be beneficial. It's hard to get a dog to the end of the plank, if he already thinks he's in the right spot (I tried repeating my commands and that didn't help, he lied down - this was at home).

I definitely think I"m in the same place as you. 2 wonderful amazing steps forward, 1 step back. But you're right, so far, Koji has been great about not leaping. And when he has, I already knew he would due to his anxiety/excitement levels.

 

I agree. More training/reinforcement.

He may need it constantly, but honestly, I'm not too sure. Usually, when he gets something, he's solid. I just don't think we're there yet. I would say check back with me in a year and if I'm still training a few times a week, then yes, I'll have to do it forever . If not, thank gawd! LOL.

Reminder to self. Do not accept it and reinforce the 2o2o.

 

I should re-read my training plan. I haven't in awhile because I was on the proofing part. Need to keep on top of my darn plan and training! I know this is mostly my own fault. But dangit, this training stuff is not easy, LOL. Got your PM, I'll respond there.

 

Yup, I'm thinking this is the way to go for me. When I retrained his 2o2o, I didn't use a target plate really. As I said to Ashley, I see where it's beneficial now. Especially for reminders.

Just curious, how long did it take you go get Trax pretty darn consistent?