labgirl
Forums Sage
I was recently taught a slightly different method of target training for Sparrow.
So first using the target (a coaster) I taught her to go to it and put both front paws on it. Then I had to throw it a distance and send her to it. So basically wherever it was she ran straight to it and put her front feet on it.
I have just moved to the next stage using half my training a frame flat on the ground. So I put the target on the ground just ahead of the contact. There is no treat on the target, never was. I placed Sparrow just on the plank and told her to go to the target.
Now, just like you found, the first couple of times she twisted completely off to face me. So I adjusted where I was standing so I was facing her, then once she had the position I moved around and to the sides. Also, if her back feet came off I gave her a chance to correct herself before retrying.
It was explained to me that teaching it this way helps keep the dog driving down, so even if the dog goes too far, by waiting for the dog to put itself back into a correct position you are reinforcing drive and accuracy.
Within 5 minutes of doing this I had her landing in the correct 2o2o position 75% of the time. The remaining 25% she would come straight off and then think about it and correct herself. I gave almost zero instructions and no luring, this was all her figuring out what earned a reward. For our first contact training session I am very happy.
I am loving this method of teaching contacts and clearly Sparrow is too. Wish I had know about it for Merlin!
So first using the target (a coaster) I taught her to go to it and put both front paws on it. Then I had to throw it a distance and send her to it. So basically wherever it was she ran straight to it and put her front feet on it.
I have just moved to the next stage using half my training a frame flat on the ground. So I put the target on the ground just ahead of the contact. There is no treat on the target, never was. I placed Sparrow just on the plank and told her to go to the target.
Now, just like you found, the first couple of times she twisted completely off to face me. So I adjusted where I was standing so I was facing her, then once she had the position I moved around and to the sides. Also, if her back feet came off I gave her a chance to correct herself before retrying.
It was explained to me that teaching it this way helps keep the dog driving down, so even if the dog goes too far, by waiting for the dog to put itself back into a correct position you are reinforcing drive and accuracy.
Within 5 minutes of doing this I had her landing in the correct 2o2o position 75% of the time. The remaining 25% she would come straight off and then think about it and correct herself. I gave almost zero instructions and no luring, this was all her figuring out what earned a reward. For our first contact training session I am very happy.
I am loving this method of teaching contacts and clearly Sparrow is too. Wish I had know about it for Merlin!
