NAHVDA "Pointing Dog Obedience" Class

LunaBrown

We were able to join this class through our local NAVHDA chapter, and although it is very exciting, it's also the hardest thing I have had to do to date with my girl.

Yesterday was our second lesson, our first class where we really got down to learning.... Our first real lesson is for heeling and the "whoa" command - using the pinch collar. Confused

I was never opposed to them (and still am not) - they are a great tool to get a puller to walk on a loose leash. However, the capacity in which they are used in this kind of class is in a whole other league. Swift and stern corrections are given. The dogs are expected to listen just because we say so, NOT because we have a pocket full of treats. I am so glad we have been through a basic obedience class and Luna already had a basic understanding of sit, stay, wait, come and heel... I think this would be SO much harder for both of us if we didn't have the foundation we do.

It is extremely difficult for me to be so stern with my baby girl... But she seems to be catching on very quickly and I have high hopes of coming out of this with a girl who listens well and that I can be able to boast about for her behavior instead of just her good looks Wink

There's even another weimie in the class - Weezer is a HUGE boy who is just a few days older than Luna! (no, really Luna is pretty big, but this guy's legs are like twice as big around as hers!) I don't think either of them have seen a weim since they left their mommas and they Heart

one another!

weimdawgs · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 9:23 pm Post subject:

Awww, Luna's got a boyfriend!!!!

DanniGirl · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:15 am Post subject:

It sounds like Luna's on her way! Wink

I'm sure you've seen some of the older working dogs, what did you think?
You said it, "The dogs are expected to listen just because we say so, NOT because we have a pocket full of treats. "
They listen because they have NO CHOICE in the matter...LOL!
WHOA is one of the hardest commands to teach but once mastered, it makes everything easier.
Keep it up! Very Happy

anne · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:52 pm Post subject:

Mindy,

Any time in a group situation there are many ways to get to the same goal. Keep an eye on your dog and see how she is taking any type of corrections. Just because a certain type of correction works for a GSP doesn't mean it's appropriate or the best way to get the message across to your dog. If she's shutting down, then back off a little.

Sounds like you had a great time, and I'm glad to see that you hooked up with this group!

LunaBrown · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 1:06 pm Post subject:

Thanks Ladies! I am excited - this is MY time. My husband comes along for the learning and to be an outside set of eyes so he can give constructive critisim, but I am the one doing all of the handling! He will handle our 2nd pup when the time comes, and at that point I will be the one watching!

She doesn't seem to be shutting down, she just looks a little scared some of the time. There are a couple dogs in the class that make alot of noise when presented with the collar and corrections, and I think that the noise is what freaks her out a little bit. We trained a little last night at home and she did alot better. When our cold snap breaks I am going to try taking her up to the park, which is empty this time of year, and see how she reacts there. Once she understands the commands the prong collar is out and we will be introducing the e-collar, but that is a ways down the road I think.

The way some of the dogs react freaks ME out a little bit... but they are not my dog, and I am the rookie so I just keep quiet... but I don't like it none the less.