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Hoot
Indianapolis, IN

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04/21/2007 12:45 PM	Alert
Well, Today was really fun. I took Grady (4 month old PL) to a training day at the local Hunting Retriever Club to acclimate him to other dogs, people, etc. When one of the other members suggested they throw a few bumpers for Grady, I knew they would be impressed with his retrieving ability and extraordinary training to date - He was consistently tangled in his check cord, uninterested in any bumpers (you want me to pick that thing up?) In fact, he acted like he had never seen one before. When we went to the lake - he only drank the water and tried to eat mud at the shoreline. I was wondering where my dog was, and who was this imposter! Once we arrived back home, I let him out of the kennel and he proceeded to perform FOUR picture-perfect retrieves and was jumping up and down wanting to do more. Oh well... tomorrows another day...

Rob G
Cedaredge, CO

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04/21/2007 2:41 PM	Alert
Been there, done that! Do you train always in the same place? If you do, your dog may learn to associate that activity with the place or places that you continuously train in. You might try switching up your training grounds a little so your pup learns that "fun" can happen anywhere! Good luck, Rob

Home of: CPR Bearpoint's Top Gun "Maverick" PRG's Hunter's Lullaby "Cricket" CPR Sam's Jumpin Jack Flash "Jack"

Hoot
Indianapolis, IN

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04/21/2007 5:06 PM	Alert
Rob, Thanks for the reply. I have (2) areas that I train in; but I do spend most of my time through the week in one of them. I think you are correct in that I need to spend more time with him in other areas. Another thing that seemed to confuse Grady right from the start was that was that he was not supposed to return the bumper to the person that threw it - but back to me. Looking back at today, I think that most (read all) of the things that didn't go according to plan, point to areas that I need to work on with the dog. Gene

Rob G
Cedaredge, CO

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04/21/2007 5:42 PM	Alert
I know those days can be disapointing. We all like to "showcase" our dogs in front of others and it can be frustrating when they are not at their best. It sounds like you have the right attitude about it though. It's never the dogs fault...always the trainer. Seems hard to digest sometimes, but it's true. I took my dog out to a training day a few weeks ago and was looking forward to him pointing up a storm in front of everybody. He proceeded to run through the field 100 mph and bumped three birds!!! More work, more work, more work. (at least the work is fun though!!!). I'm sure you'll work it out with your pup. Just try to train in new places as often as you can. Good luck, Rob

Home of: CPR Bearpoint's Top Gun "Maverick" PRG's Hunter's Lullaby "Cricket" CPR Sam's Jumpin Jack Flash "Jack"

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