Talk about progress! After yet another difficult workout for Bailey this morning we finally had a break through. I changed tactics and slowed everything down. Instead if giving her 4 seconds to comply with a given command I gave her 8. She would also get 20-30 seconds of slow, quiet praise for doing well on a command where she had been toiling, like Down from the Front. She won't need drawn out praise like that for the rest of her life but it might be realistic to say she might always need a little extra thinking time. However, we should be careful not to fall into the trap of "waiting for miracles." We shouldn't give her forever to ignore a command. Just a little bit longer than we give Ace. Ace can be expected to comply in 4 seconds or so; Bailey we will give a bit of extra time.
Speaking of Ace. He is doing well on his obedience. He is doing well and other than getting confused a little bit this morning is moving along well with his off leash. He has also had a few smooth bike rides. So long as you talk to him, slow down and get his attention at turns he does well. We don't run him off leash next to the bike because I prefer to guide him with a collar if he drifts too far away or to close to the wheels.
However- he sucks at left. Even on foot he isn't great about turning left. Usually I have to bump him with my knee or tap him with the heeling stick to turn smoothly. On the bike I just have to give him plenty of warning before turning into him or he will just run headlong into the wheel. With a warning though he respects the wheel nicely.
Tomorrow they are getting most of their training in the morning as I am out most of the afternoon with appointments. Right now we are practicing Place while relaxing with a little television. Bailey stole a paperback from the shelf behind her mat but when I told her to "leave it!" she put it down and pouted. The book is unharmed but a little damp.
Speaking of Ace. He is doing well on his obedience. He is doing well and other than getting confused a little bit this morning is moving along well with his off leash. He has also had a few smooth bike rides. So long as you talk to him, slow down and get his attention at turns he does well. We don't run him off leash next to the bike because I prefer to guide him with a collar if he drifts too far away or to close to the wheels.
However- he sucks at left. Even on foot he isn't great about turning left. Usually I have to bump him with my knee or tap him with the heeling stick to turn smoothly. On the bike I just have to give him plenty of warning before turning into him or he will just run headlong into the wheel. With a warning though he respects the wheel nicely.
Tomorrow they are getting most of their training in the morning as I am out most of the afternoon with appointments. Right now we are practicing Place while relaxing with a little television. Bailey stole a paperback from the shelf behind her mat but when I told her to "leave it!" she put it down and pouted. The book is unharmed but a little damp.
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