We changed settings for today’s session. Because of all the rain lately, I decided to find a hard surface someplace –one with as few distractions as possible. I remembered one place I had been to on a walk. It is only about a half-mile from here –a long, paved surface about 20 feet wide and a quarter-mile long through an open area which will probably soon be a new housing development.
So, the format changed somewhat. I could walk in only two directions. The good news is that the long-line training has been so successful that I will probably discontinue it shortly. Jackson seldom moves away from me enough to tighten the rope. Today I shortened the rope by 20 feet to 30 feet. Next time I may use that 20-foot section to further shorten the line from 30 to 20 feet. After that I will use only his leash and training collar.
Today we concentrated on heeling. Jackson heels very well and needs very little correction. The biggest problem is getting him to sit and stay at my left side before stepping out and telling him, “Jackson, heel” (a very important step).
I was very proud of Jackson today and his reaction/obedience to one of the greatest distractions that a dog could face –ever! Shortly after he started heeling, suddenly a big ol’ Jackrabbit hopped across our path –at first only about 20 feet away and then ran/hopped away and to our right. Jackson jerked on the leash just once or twice and then resumed heeling! Don’t get me wrong…he kept his eye on that Jackrabbit until it was out of sight and wanted desperately to chase after it, but did not!
Next session I will concentrate on the sit-stay…not easy with such an energetic, lively young Lab.
So, the format changed somewhat. I could walk in only two directions. The good news is that the long-line training has been so successful that I will probably discontinue it shortly. Jackson seldom moves away from me enough to tighten the rope. Today I shortened the rope by 20 feet to 30 feet. Next time I may use that 20-foot section to further shorten the line from 30 to 20 feet. After that I will use only his leash and training collar.
Today we concentrated on heeling. Jackson heels very well and needs very little correction. The biggest problem is getting him to sit and stay at my left side before stepping out and telling him, “Jackson, heel” (a very important step).
I was very proud of Jackson today and his reaction/obedience to one of the greatest distractions that a dog could face –ever! Shortly after he started heeling, suddenly a big ol’ Jackrabbit hopped across our path –at first only about 20 feet away and then ran/hopped away and to our right. Jackson jerked on the leash just once or twice and then resumed heeling! Don’t get me wrong…he kept his eye on that Jackrabbit until it was out of sight and wanted desperately to chase after it, but did not!
Next session I will concentrate on the sit-stay…not easy with such an energetic, lively young Lab.
2 comments:
Don was in the computer tonight and actually found your blog. This is very rare for him to even touch the computer. Anyway, he enjoyed reading about your adventures training Jackson, and the called me to read same. We both enjoyed it and are so happy that you are keeping busy with all of your projects. Love, DON and BJ
ya, we love the posts too! keep them coming. they are very entertaining!
lpc
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