Formal obedience training

[SunChaser]

I think most all of you know that I have joined an obedience club here in Lakeland. My three have gone through basic, advanced basic, Rally Signs, and Novice CD training and all three have earned their CGC. Since mom got sick I haven't been able to keep up with their training but now that she is no longer with me I'd like to title my dogs. I feel as though I need to take them back to their last training sessions, Rally for the girls and Novice CD for Kadin in order to bring them back to where they were before I had to stop their progress. I know the girls will be ok because they can do their novice rally on a leash but Kadin is such a clown he blows me off when I ask for anything but a front and finish. His away is terrible and his come isn't much better. It'll cost me some money but I think it'll be the best all around just to remind them that I mean business when we train.

I was supposed to get their ISP numbers from AKC last January but well, it didn't happen, so now I have to get on the stick and apply for them. The girls were scoring 93 and 95 in their run throughs but Kadin only got a 53. He needs at least a 70 to earn a leg. So I have my work cut out for me.

Do you think I'm wasting my time and money having them repeat these classes or is it to their benefit to go through them again? I'd really like your input here..

Hugs

 

[Katherine]

Judy-

I'm only training my first dog in formal obedience (and agility) at this point, so I don't have a track record with it. Snap is 15 mos and we are taking a Novice Obedience class for the third time in a row, along with two other friends.

My impression is that males are a little "slower" than females --- is this only my impression or is there a grain of truth in it... I don't know. However, I believe that nothing beats repetition for results and I am continuing the class also because it offers ongoing socialization / distractions.

We have not yet competed. I'm interested in attempting rally and obedience, even if it's only at the novice levels.

My local club offers a reduced rate to members for classes, which helps immensely.

I'd love to hear how things progress with Kadin.

Katherine

 

[Calliesmom]

I think going back to the basics is never a waste. We can all use refresher training at some point. I have to get busy and get Callie ready for her first rally trial in September

 

[labgirl]

I would like to wish you all luck and agree that repeating classes is never a waste.

Sunchaser, one thing a lady who does agility once told me and she was very experienced with dogs of all types.

She said that a female dog at home can sometimes seem independant, almost aloof, yet when out working or at training class they are completely fixed on their handler, wanting to please, refuse to leave their side, etc.

On the other hand a male dog at home can seem very loving to the point of being needy and be a constant shadow, but take them out to a comp or class and they suddenly switch off, are more interested in what everyone else is doing, ignore their handler, etc.

She felt it is just the difference between males and females. I have to say through my own experiences and observing others I do wonder if she has a point.

But all dogs can excel, sounds like you've already achieved a lot and I am sure with patience and time you can go even further. Hope you enjoy your classes.