Distance Recommendation?

[corbinam]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm really enjoying reading them.

We just got Go the Distance in the mail, and it seems to have some great exercises in it. The problem will be finding time to go outside and practice when the neighbor's dogs don't entice Bentley to fence chase. I'm going to make some fishy fudge to see if that's motivating enough for him to work, and not chase.

I was thinking....
Do you think it'd be better if only one of you handled Bentley for now? Or trained him? Otherwise, be sure you two are on the same page as handling/cues, etc. Just a thought since you were saying distance isn't Bentley's strong point. Maybe start with one trainer then as he starts becoming more consistent, the other person can start to handle them, that way if they a bit "off" it won't matter as much.

Actually, for about the past year now Jonathan has been handling Bentley about 90% of the time. He is the only one who handles him in class. We take turns working the dogs in the yard just based on work schedules, but he does all of the in-class training, and runs him in almost everything in trials. The only exception these days is that I run him in Snooker just because Jonathan loves Snooker, and is REALLY good at the planning part, so he runs Lexi (because she needs Super Qs and Bentley does not need any Qs).

 

[corbinam]

Wanted to add this video because I am SO proud.

Bentley went OUT and did the gamble. Jonathan pushed him too hard (you can see him get so excited that he went out!) and he jumped his DW contact. The only one he has missed in the past few months. Ouch. Heartbreak. But I was so proud!

http://youtu.be/LaUnBviPCuA

 

[Toffee's Mom]

Wanted to add this video because I am SO proud.

Bentley went OUT and did the gamble. Jonathan pushed him too hard (you can see him get so excited that he went out!) and he jumped his DW contact. The only one he has missed in the past few months. Ouch. Heartbreak. But I was so proud!

http://youtu.be/LaUnBviPCuA

OH WOW
thought you said this little guy had no distance
That was brilliant! I just love this guy

 

[take4roll10]

Nice run and his distance was perfect! Was he supposed to jump the tire twice?

 

[corbinam]

Nice run and his distance was perfect! Was he supposed to jump the tire twice?

I think that was Jonathan's original plan, but then Bentley turned the wrong way, so he was just trying to get him back around--it was all reactionary since it wasn't the way he wanted it to go. Luckily in gamblers it doesn't matter

 

[Calliesmom]

Wanted to add this video because I am SO proud.

Bentley went OUT and did the gamble. Jonathan pushed him too hard (you can see him get so excited that he went out!) and he jumped his DW contact. The only one he has missed in the past few months. Ouch. Heartbreak. But I was so proud!

http://youtu.be/LaUnBviPCuA

that was very impressive

 

[take4roll10]

Just wondering how your distance training with Bentley is coming along?

I'm starting to realize that Bailey doesn't have such great distance skills. That is something I'd like to start working on.

How much equipment do you need for the exercises in the book you ordered? Right now, I have one jump, but I think I have room for about 3 in my little yard.

 

[corbinam]

Just wondering how your distance training with Bentley is coming along?

I'm starting to realize that Bailey doesn't have such great distance skills. That is something I'd like to start working on.

How much equipment do you need for the exercises in the book you ordered? Right now, I have one jump, but I think I have room for about 3 in my little yard.

There are enough exercises to keep you busy if you have maybe 3-4 jumps. Having a tunnel is really nice too.

Unfortunately, we haven't gotten anywhere with Bentley because now that it's nice out our neighbors' dogs are outside constantly. Hopefully we will have a new house in a few months and can start training there.