Cheryl, I can 100% tell you that we are feeling the same way. Frustrated, and upset because I feel like we aren't getting better, and I feel like we're just not making as much progress as I'd like to be (especially for as often as we train!)
This is one reason I'm looking at finding either a new trainer, or someone who can supplement the training. I'm also going to sign up with a local club, because although their training sessions aren't great, we have access to a GREAT facility (albeit far, but I'm willing to go on my non-trialling weekends, let's just hope hubby is, lol)
Starters (and novice) show you that you're coming together as a team, and that your dog has learned the correct obstacle performances.
Open and Advanced really poke holes in your training.
I think you hit the nail on the head with this one. Poking holes it is. Honestly, our first two Q's in JWW was EASY! Our first few STD runs were EASY! But he didn't Q due to his contacts (which I was changing over, so I figured that was understandable). I guess I keep figuring, if he hits his contacts, we'll Q. So not the case (as with Bentley too, in that one great run, minus that darn tunnel - I so feel your pain).
--Nice job on the tandem turns! I find that they really help to keep dogs like ours moving!
Thanks. Sadly, no one even taught us this and I think it's a great thing to learn, especially for dogs like ours!!! I only learned it by watching the Elite (NADAC) people doing it and I thought, "gawd that would SO be useful" and I tried it a few times. Works great in sometimes harder serps and that's why I tried it. Question is, why didn't we learn it? It's not a "fix" is it? I find it so useful, especially in areas where I know I can't FC and a regular RC just wouldn't work. So weird.
--Koji is in handler focus SO often, that that is the reason for 99% of his mistakes. He pops the weaves because of this. He refuses the tunnel because of this. He doesn't get in the weaves because he isn't looking for them, he's looking directly at you. Part of that is you giving him directions early enough. Even though he's not the fastest (he's not slow, either), he needs information early enough for him to look for it. He's not getting the information, he's slowing down, and looking to you and it's too late
The bit about him looking at me instead of the weaves, I saw that in the video too. I was shaking my head thinking, why are you looking at me!!! LOL. I need to try and get my instructions to him faster. I'm pretty good about it for weaves. Obviously, I missed that one. lol.
--You two look at each other VERY often. It's self-rewarding for Koji, and it's a tough cycle to break.
uh-oh, is this a bad thing? I shouldn't be looking at him. Sheesh. Why doesn't anyone tell me these things? Thoughts on simple things I can do to correct this issue? Well, maybe not simple, but small things I can try for this weekend.
--Something that Stuart is always telling us is that we need to keep moving. You do what I do, and end up just standing around telling Koji what to do, and then waiting for him to do it. That happened to him for the tunnel refusal. He misses your signal (handler focus), and then you just stand there.
Well, in the case of the tunnel. I kinda gave up because I knew he wasn't really focused on the course. He was overly focused on me. Again, like I said, when he breaks his stay, he's in crazy mode. And typically barking and barking at me like I'm just going to slow. Huh. If he had stayed, I wouldn't be behind, now would I? Crazy dog. LOL. But yes, standing around. I have been working on moving forward, esp after watching your Mah vids. Very helpful to me, thanks, btw.
But again, as you said, you really are improving. He got his dogwalk contact, he is moving pretty quickly, and his RCs (tandem turns) really looked nice. You just need to get him to work on focusing ahead, and not at you.
Darn dog just loves me too much. Here's what I'm thinking.........I use food prior to running because I USED to need it to get his attention (this was when he'd run off, oh a year ago). I think I need to stop with that. But, the other problem is, the food also keeps him from barking at other dogs (again, we're still working on his "overly friendly" issue). So, catch-22. Do you think using toys might work? Or should I just go without anything? hmm...maybe I'll try that tomorrow. Why not, what do I have to lose....a Q? LOL.
Not trying to sound negative, I just feel like I know what you're going through!
Honestly, any feedback is good, even if it's negative. I totally concur and understand. I'm not making any excuses and I'm sure it's partially me. After taking Sharon up on her advice (of maybe finding some one new), I've found a few instructors who do private sessions and who are known in the agility world (hopefully as trainers, not just great handlers) and like you, may just need some feedback. I just hope that if I try to execute in class, my trainer won't get upset, and if she does, I may have to truly leave that place (although, I love it for everything else, sigh).
Maybe we should trade dogs. Oh wait, Sharon did say she'd take Koji and turn him into a MACH dog. Why do I have a feeling she COULD do that? Maybe with my next dog, I won't have too many of these issues.
