Rottweilers Ate My Laptop

Rottweilers. Computers. Cameras. World Domination. Not necessarily in that order.

Rottweilers.
Computers. Cameras.
World Domination.
Not necessarily in that order.

Why I don’t play tug with my dogs, part 2

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A while ago, I talked about why I don’t usually use tugging as a training reward with my dogs.

I was just reminded of another reason today. If, because of your own general lack of athleticism and attentiveness, you move in the wrong direction after your rather large dog has targeted the tug and jumped to grab it, your dog might grab your bicep instead. He might realize the problem right away, and let go very quickly, but still…

…OUCH.

I would post a picture of the rather impressive bruises, but I wouldn’t want someone to use it against Rottweilers or dogs in general.

This warning probably does not apply to you. Only to me, because I am a klutz like that.

(NaBloPoMo | October ’10: 10 of 31)

Is there a Learning Style Inventory for dogs?

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I’ve mentioned in a few prior posts that we’re doing Susan Garrett’s “The Five Minute Formula to a Brilliant Recall.” I’ve mentioned before that Freya and Axel seem to have different learning styles as well.

One thing in particular that surprises me is that Freya is still reluctant to do anything to my right, even when rewarded for being there. Freya will be seven and Axel will be four in November, so I definitely expected both of them to be more accustomed to being on my left in the usual heel position. That’s quite a few years of being on the left, including casual walking, basic classes, show training, showing in American and German-style shows, obedience classes, and rally obedience classes and trials.

Axel was a little confused at first, but with the possibility of a food treat or toy reward on my right, he decided pretty quickly that he would go with the program. I can now call or signal him to either heel or right, which is more useful than I thought it would be.

Freya still thinks it has to be a trick. She isn’t sure why I’d try to trick her after over six years, but she makes it clear that she is not going to be the one to fall for it. We’re still working on it. I still can’t get her to willingly come to my right side unless I create a barrier to my left side with a wall or fence.

I am sure we’ll get past it, as we have almost everything else. It’s just interesting how different Freya and Axel can be sometimes.

(NaBloPoMo | August ’10: 20 of 31)

Agreed on at least one point

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I read quite a few dog-related blogs and forums. Some are Rottweiler-specific, some are specific to training for certain dog sports, and others are more general. The large amount of good information out there, much of it free, is amazing. The even larger amount of poor quality information out there is amazing in a more depressing way. Sometimes I wonder how any first-time dog adopter or purchaser, or anyone attempting to train their first dog, manages to sort out the information at all. Sometimes I find it difficult, and I’m on year 16 and Rottweilers number 5 and 6 (which, by the way, means I’m still very much a novice owner and trainer).

I realize I tend to be judgmental in many areas myself, but I know I would be very happy to not see quite as much judgmental writing on dog training topics. If I see fewer statements saying that shock collars automatically equate to dog abuse, or that clickers are only good for training tricks, or that those who train with food are all too permissive, that would be fine by me.

Personally, I think that the success of any training method relies on the ability of the handler to learn good timing. Timing of rewards and corrections are both hugely important, or you are not communicating the right message to your dog. Timing has been a very difficult thing for me to learn. You’ve seen me or someone just like me at your classes: I’m the one who who has trouble managing leash, clicker, and treats at the same time without sticking the clicker into the dog’s mouth or tripping myself on the leash.

Dogs are amazing creatures. Mine have managed to learn a lot despite me.

But there’s still only one thing I think we can all agree on. I saw it first way back when Rottweiler number one was just a puppy and I still see it now:

The only thing that two dog trainers can agree on is that the third dog trainer is doing it all wrong!

(NaBloPoMo | August ’10: 19 of 31)

Random dog training notes

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After a full week of oppressive heat and humidity, today was a gift with a high of “only” 83°F. It’s been a wonderfully cool and breezy night as well. Not quite cool enough to be “Rottweiler weather” yet, though!

There was one very unexpected benefit to last week’s heat. For our “Brilliant Recall” lessons, I have been aiming to do very short, more frequent training sessions with both dogs. I’ve been trying to shorten our rally and obedience training sessions as well, since I’m not always good at stopping at the right time before boredom sets in, and at a point where we can end on a high note. But the heat guaranteed that all of the outdoor training sessions would in fact be short and sweet.
[Read more…]

Other things I’m learning as the dogs and I learn better recalls

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As we work through the games and lessons for Susan Garrett’s “Brilliant Recall” course, I’m learning other things not directly related to recalls, brilliant or otherwise.

First, I have been reminded daily as to why I’ve generally avoided using tugging as a training reward (other than not being an agility person and feeling forced into it, that is). Freya doesn’t like to play tug with me unless I spend a lot of time convincing her it will be fun. By that time, it doesn’t seem like big fun to me and it’s still less motivating to her than cheese. [Read more…]