First time out

peppernaei · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 6:45 am Post subject: First time out

Now that the snow has melted and the ice has receded off the ponds south of here, we travelled a couple of hours to have our first training session. Both Marvin and I are totally new to all of this but it went really well and I was so proud. It was thrilling to see how excited he was about working in the field. We are trying the NAVHDA NA test in early May.

Here are a couple of pictures:

LunaBrown · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 8:21 am Post subject:

We joined up with a large group of our local NAHVDA chapter members this past Saturday, it was also our first time out!

Our chapter is running 2 NA tests this year, there is a large amount of young dogs this year! We opted to enter the August test, Luna will be 15 months old, still 1 month shy of the age limit. We're complete novices, so we figured we would take more time since we had it!

Best of luck to you and Marvin in your upcoming test - keep us posted on his progress!! Very Happy

freespiritmom · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 8:35 am Post subject:

Do you train your own dogs or did you have someone do it?

peppernaei · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 8:58 am Post subject:

Best of luck to you and Luna as well. I think all weim owners should at least consider it as its what they're bred to do and they seem to enjoy it so much. I also believe the little bit of yard obedience I started with it in mind has really contributed to his wonderful temperament and our bond.

We are working with our dog's dad's breeder. Both Marvin and I need to be trained since I have never even hunted before let alone trained a versatile dog. It is fun to be out with Marvin's dad, grandpa, sister and other relatives. Our local NAVHDA group trains quite a bit closer to our home but for me it's worth the couple hours drive to work with someone who understands weims. Our chapter also has a fall test but I think our breeder believes more in introducing the elements for NA rather than training for it? It's coming up so fast, I am more worried about me than the pup.

DanniGirl · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 4:56 pm Post subject:

DanniGirl · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 5:03 pm Post subject:

Best of luck to you peppernaei!
Those are awesome pictures! It's nice to hear about other weim owners out there who are interested in the versatility of the breed. And kudos to you for getting involved with NAVHDA!
You said it perfectly, there's nothing like watching a dog performing what it was originally bred to do. Wink

Oh and don't be nervous about the testing. Your dog will be able to sense it and may not perform as well. The judges are so incredibly helpful and nice.
If it makes you feel better, your pup looks like he will score a perfect 4 for pointing!
The only thing that I would be worried about would the tracking portion. A little hint, CALM your pup when it comes time to track. (Keep him away from other dogs and people before the track, etc...) One of the keys to a successful track is the release. You want to make sure his head is down and that he is CONCENTRATING on the track. Take your time and practice that a few times. Wink

peppernaei · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 6:46 pm Post subject:

Thanks DanniGirl for the advice especially about the track. I will remember to keep myself calm too. I have shown horses all my life so I understand the animal feeding off the handles emotions. I know we are in good hands with training so that gives me confidence. The breeder is taking his sire to the invitational so he understands the tests and expectations well.

DanniGirl · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 10:16 am Post subject:

peppernaei · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 11:09 am Post subject:

We are very happy happy for them and proud. His family does put the time in but it is so nice to see how they enjoy the dogs. After training hard and showing constantly with horses I am pretty burnt out and I am only riding for fun now. Its nice to train for something that the animal seems to really enjoy and with a mentor who believes in letting the dogs mature into it rather than force it.

I have seen the score card but I can't say I understand it all yet. All the indexing and prize categories. Do you hope to become a judge?

We are testing the May 10th weekend. Marv's sister will be testing that weekend too but she has been out hunting with his older dogs since the fall so she is more advanced.

DanniGirl · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 1:05 pm Post subject:

I know what you mean about forcing it and how important it is not too. LOL!
I think that's a problem with most new individuals in my NAVHDA chapter.

They all have these puppies and they're forcing them to perform like you would expect an older dog. Also, majority of the members CAN'T WAIT to get a e-collar on their dog. Shocked

One example, there was a GSP and you'd let her loose and her prey drive was so strong that she'd chase a bird into the next county. Well, obviously she wasn't cooperative YET so the owner put an E-collar on her. Well last month he worked diligently Rolling Eyes

with her, only using the e-collar to enforce the recall and heel commands.
Last weekend he ran the dog (as if we were judging NA) and he couldn't get her to go out beyond 20 yards. Surprising...NO.
And then he ran a English Pointer and guess what, that dog wouldn't even search, he was a boot licker...more-so then the GSP. The worst part, the English Pointer was blinking birds. Starting to see a pattern here? Confused

-It was bad, but it really was a shame to see those dogs' desire squelched.
The only good thing about it...the GSP is 8 months so she might overcome it.

As far as judging is concerned, there is a lot of time involved which unfortunately I just don't have right now. Alarmed