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Post by dobermoms on Dec 3, 2012 6:14:47 GMT -5
I thought that I would start a new thread regarding obedience training, and our updates. As those of us in training feel strongly that this should be a "staple" in your relationship with your Doberman, many don't understand the true value of it, and/or are afraid of the time commitment it represents. It is more than teaching your dog to sit, or to stay. That is just basic manners. Obedience training, if done properly, enhances the relationship between dog and owner, and creates a stable environment for each to grow within.
I could go on for paragraphs, and paragraphs regarding the benefits of training.....so for a more detailed answer, ask your breeder Monica...who operates classes in all obedience levels.....
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Post by dobermoms on Dec 3, 2012 6:22:55 GMT -5
As I'm writing this, I am still feeling "warm and fuzzy" after training yesterday with Kazi. I handle her, and Kerrie handles Dante. At home, we also try to switch dogs so they understand they still have to listen to both of us, but the main handling is done with each of us with our own dog. As I said in the N-litter thread, I am just so proud of Kazi after yesterdays class. And it didn't end there.....she was so attentive to my actions and words after arriving home...and as I write this and she's asleep, it hasn't changed. I felt a change in her since we have started this level, and I am just "glowing" already with its results....is she perfect? Nope. But feeling the progress already achieved just makes me beam....I've never been here with her before, so I had to share my experience and what I'm feeling. I have seen that relationship develop between Kerrie and Dante, and it is magical. He is soooo attentive to Kerrie, and that bond is always growing between them. I am so fortunate to be a witness to what can happen between a dog and its owner.....now I want the same with Kazi for us. So....after 2 sessions already, I'm feeling energized with hope and praise. Let's see how the week unfolds....lol.
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Post by hooligan on Dec 3, 2012 9:48:37 GMT -5
Couldn't agree with you more, Barb! Training can be frustrating . . . but there's nothing like those rewarding moments when your efforts pay off and your dog suddenly shows you that he (or she) has "got it."
The whole process teaches the handler to be patient (in Jack's case, very very patient . . . LOL) and consistent. Training is a two-way street. If you expect focus from your dog, you must also expect to offer focus to your dog — to pay attention and "read" the signals he is giving you.
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Post by Lisa on Dec 3, 2012 17:41:47 GMT -5
We took 4 classes last year. It took 9 months to teach Asha to obey I was totally stressed after classes as Asha was non-stop moving energy ball... but we learned a lot. Then I decided to take a break... now I feel like something is missing. Asha wants to be trained. Is not it confusing? Food as a reward is not as effective as toys for Asha. She will do everything to a short tug game. I use it very successfully. Did you try it with Kazi, Barb?
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Post by dobermoms on Dec 3, 2012 21:37:58 GMT -5
You're so right Dyanne. These last couple of classes both Kazi's focus and mine have been better. We seem to both be on the same page finally at the same time.
Tonight, she was good again for me...and I'm sure Kerrie is also working with her a bit thru the day. They have their own "work schedule", but she just seems to be a sponge right now....and she is a very smart girl. It is quite funny when I ask Kazi to go into a down....Dante downs himself. I love that boy! He is a good cheerleader for his sister.
In our classes, we use the toys basically as a distraction....but knowing Asha and Kazi are "twins", (lol), I would definately suggest training as it is a great energy-burner for them.
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Post by Lisa on Dec 3, 2012 23:03:11 GMT -5
I use a tug as a reward and other toys as distraction. The best toys to use as distraction is dancing and singing musical toys. Asha was shocked at the beginning and wanted to chase it but I made her stay and she did it. We also use food as distraction while working on heeling. She is quite good with any distractions except of bikes ... geezzz.. nothing in the world would stop her from chasing fast moving objects!
They have so much energy they would never burn it LOL
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Post by Andreina on Dec 4, 2012 11:40:52 GMT -5
Quin, Kazi and Scarlet doing their down stays this past Sunday. What good puppies they were Attachments:
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Post by susanw on Dec 4, 2012 16:53:51 GMT -5
Thanks Andreina . . . and you actually captured them all doing it properly..lol. I must say I have also noticed Quin is responding better in this year's class. Although he is still being a bit resistant out of doors, where he is more easily distracted, this morning was the first time he actually "heeled" off leash for about 20 steps before racing off to do his own thing. Think it was the rain - he just wanted to come home and have his breakfast.
It's reassuring to finally see measurable progress.
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Post by Andreina on Dec 4, 2012 21:22:45 GMT -5
Thanks Andreina . . . and you actually captured them all doing it properly..lol. I must say I have also noticed Quin is responding better in this year's class. Although he is still being a bit resistant out of doors, where he is more easily distracted, this morning was the first time he actually "heeled" off leash for about 20 steps before racing off to do his own thing. Think it was the rain - he just wanted to come home and have his breakfast. It's reassuring to finally see measurable progress. They were all so good this week. Susan at the end of level 2 you will be amazed at your bond. I should know I'm repeating it hahaha. Just joking. But on a serious note, by the end of class last year I was amazed to see the progress scarlet and I made. When I came to Monica I didn't even know how to hold a leash properly. it gives me a great feeling to walk her at the park, leash over the shoulder and passing other dogs not even darting off to say hi. I get so many compliments on her behavior and it makes me feel great for the work we have put in and also the representation of the doberman breed. We have much much more work to do but we are getting there, as will you and Quin. I'm excited to keep improving and get going on doing Rally or our CD! ;D
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Post by dobermoms on Dec 4, 2012 23:15:49 GMT -5
I can't agree with you more Andreina. I remember when we first came to training with Dante as a puppy. We were with Argo, and we thought he was a "huge" dog. Well he was to Dante...he was 90-95lbs, tall, good-looking. And there we were with our "little man". We were soooo impressed by Frank and Argo. He was in level 3 I believe, and we couldn't believe what 1) a bond those two had 2) the way Argo looked at Frank -- constantly watching him for his next command 3) that our boy would be able to "one day" do the same thing 4) how he was off-leash going thru his commands. We were like the school children at the first day of school watching a grade 8 student. And now, 3 years later, here we are with Dante starting his off-leash training. It has been an amazing experience, to say the least. We kept asking Monica---will Dante ever get to the same point?? And now we are here! I know that Kerrie and Dante will use the CD title as a goal, but truthfully she just loves pushing their training to new levels, spending the time eachday with him--because it's "their" time. He loves to please her, and she loves to praise him for a job well-done. They aren't just a dog and his owner---they are partners in this venture. So incase you're wondering why I'm sharing this, it is just to say that training isn't just for the sake of training your dog to do commands, it's about taking that relationship and building it so that the relationship grows to greater depths that otherwise would have never been achieved.
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Post by Andreina on Dec 8, 2012 17:23:56 GMT -5
Kerrie and Dante definitely partners in crime hahah. And Kazi your Eastern European girl
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Post by Andreina on Dec 8, 2012 17:24:40 GMT -5
Ps. Scarlet ate her homework. Yup. I found it in a million pieces
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Post by dobermoms on Dec 9, 2012 9:07:12 GMT -5
Hahaha....sounds like we are going to have to start sending your work sheets to your phone....oh no...maybe she'll eat that too then! LOL
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Post by dobermoms on Dec 9, 2012 21:41:15 GMT -5
Well, another amazing day at training. The dogs missed Quin, but had a workout without him. We worked hard today, and the dogs are tired and asleep as I write this. And a special thank you to Andreina.....Kazi and Dante are wearing their Christmas collars. They look amazing on them, and are now in the Christmas spirit. Thank You!!!
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Post by dobermoms on Dec 9, 2012 21:57:24 GMT -5
We want to welcome the new dogs to their first day of level 1 Obedience training when it starts within the next month. We know you are also probably welcoming this day as well....lol.
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