This weekend with the dog club was very informative and engaging sessions. There were a number of dogs with some behavioural issues, and it was amazing to see their behaviour change with the proper handling techniques. Penny, my trainer, displayed incredible patience and skill in working with these dogs. There was one case of a six-month-old German Shepherd pup being trained for Schutzhund. The puppy was awfully stubborn, obeying only when it felt like executing the “sit” command.
Penny very patiently worked with the pup, correcting it while making sure it was rewarded when it complied. He seemed a bit resistant, with the pup at times actually trying to attempt to bite Penny, despite there being several equipment changes and numerous tries. She said the only reason it had not bitten yet was because it was too young. She then performed a temperament test, which was very interesting to watch. With only a little bit of encouragement from Penny, the dog’s behavior slowly changed, and it became responsive and started showing more social behavior and respect and relaxed after an intense hour of training. Watching this change solidified my appreciation for dog training techniques for dogs and the skill of professional dog trainers in handling such situations.
Thereafter, though, I was proud of how much Rogan had grown during the tracking sessions. It was only her third tracking attempt this year, and she appeared to be doing a good job. But I was having little luck getting her on high drive at the dog club, and it made me realize that nurturing her talents must take precedence over riding her drive. Drive work will always be an ongoing concern, but the immediate goals I have in sight now are refining her commands ahead of her BH title and Urban Tracking Dog certification.
Fieldwork performance during the recall. The “platz” performance was dignified and rewarding to see, her propelling so swiftly toward her with enthusiasm and precision.
There is nothing quite as beautiful as the sight of a dog coming when called, its eyes fixed with dogged determination.
During fieldwork, her recall and “platz” were exceptional, and it was incredibly rewarding to see her respond with enthusiasm and precision. There’s nothing quite like calling a dog and watching it race toward you with unwavering focus and determination!
