Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Training update

I really haven't posted about our training stuff lately, but we've still been plugging away at it.

Lola had been really stellar recently on our walks in regards to her freaking out at other dogs. On our walk this weekend, we ran into at least a dozen dogs and she was chill the entire time. And then ironically, tonight we saw a neighbor (who I know) and her dog. We went over to say Hi and she's usually fine once she can greet the other dog. He growled at her & she freaked out, barking & lunging in his face. I was actually pretty upset about it because she'd been doing so well and now my neighbor thinks my "good" dog is Cujo.

But I reminded myself that regression is an essential part of learning and we'll just take a few steps back and work a little harder. She's made great progress and I can't forget about that just because of one minor setback.

Penny finished up her Rally class this weekend and our graduation consited of running through 3 mock courses and being "judged" by the instructor (who just happens to be an AKC Rally judge). For those of you unfamiliar with Rally Obedience, it's basically a bridge between the CGC and Traditional Obedience competition. The Dog and handler complete a course that has been designed by the Rally judge. The judge tells the handler to begin and the dog and handler proceed at their own pace through a course of designated stations (10 - 20 depending on the level). Each of these stations has a sign providing instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed. The exercise can be as simple as a Right Turn or as involved as Call Front, Right Finish, Halt or Serpintine Weave. Scoring is not as rigorous as formal obedience.

The team of dog and handler move continuously with the dog under control at the handler's left side, however perfect "heel position" is not required. They perform the exercises indicated by a numbered sign at each station. After the judge's "Forward" order, the team is on its own to complete the entire sequence correctly. Unlimited communication from the handler to the dog is to be encouraged and not penalized.

Although we may never actually compete, it's a lot of fun and a really great relationship builder.

I had my friend Annette record one of our runs. This was very interesting to watch. Penny was great...I am a mess! I'm very sloppy and kind of all over the place. And our finishes need a LOT of work. But of our 3 runs we got 2 perfect scores (100 out of 100) and a 99 (one point off for a tight leash). Of course, our instructor was pretty easy on us! But we had a good time.

26 comments:

FleasGang said...

You two did great! Penny never took her eyes off of you the entire time and that part with her walking and then sitting and walking and sitting was cool. :-) Keep up the good work!

The FleasGang

Balboa said...

Great job Penny, you are such a smart doggie.

Poor Lola, that other doggie started first, he's the one who needs training. hmph!

Frenchie Snorts
Balboa

Peanut said...

I agree with Balboa that other doggie started it with Lola. And of course you did well on that course My Penny is a smart beautiful dog.

Boo Casanova said...

penny is so obedient looking at you the whole time. nah, i don't think you were a mess. i just think you need some training. lol

wet wet licks

Boo

umekotyan said...

Training is important.
My ume tyan has not taken training.
Therefore, it is ill-mannered.

from loved ume tyan

Huskee and Hershey said...

Penny is one smart cookie! It's so cool how she keeps her eyes trained on you the entire time!! *clap clap clap*

Simba and Jazzi said...

Penny is such a good dog, well done to both of you.

Simba xx

Oscar's mummy and daddy said...

Way to go Penny, so focused! Rally looks like fun, I iwsh we did it in England. Maybe I should start a campaign!

Licks
Oscar x

Katherine and Pippa said...

I can't see your vid. Sad Pippadog. But I guess Penny was great.

Pippa

Gwyn Valentine said...

GOod on you Penny!
Penny has her eyes fixated no you all the time!

Love, Reina

Emily and Ike said...

Great job with the training. I would totally drop and poop on the floor.
Ike

Duke and Gidget said...

Wow, Penny is so much smarter than us! We only do what we are told if there are some serious treats involved!

~Pug Hugs~

Emily and Ike said...

I found you Penny!
Ike

Emily and Ike said...

Oh, here ...
http://www.legacy-kennels.com/
a_puggle_puppyforsale%20010.jpg

Emily and Ike said...

There are so many pups that look like you guys.
http://www.animalrescuetv.com/images/gallery/
Boris3.jpg

Anonymous said...

Way to go Penny!!!
Hugs,
Sitka

Lorenza said...

I like the way you look at your mom! I think you two did it very nice!
Besos
Lorenza

Molly the Airedale said...

Penny, You're so smart and pretty too!

Love ya lots,
Maggie

Toby said...

You two did super duper!! My gosh, you eyes were so focused for the entire walk. Man, you're making me look really really bad. I never pay much attention to Mom when we're out walking. Then again, I've never really had any real formal training.

Love the video. Maybe you can post some more in the future?

Luv,
Tobes

Anonymous said...

Jen & Penny you are my heros!!! I only wish I could get Ruby to look at me when we walk!!! My trainer is starting to do a rally class soon and after seeing you guys we need to do a lot more work to be ready, but I really am excited to do it. Thanks for the update and AWESOME job Penny!!!

Michele

e said...

Hey Guys
Thank you so much for joining my pledge. I'm really touched. You have very beautiful dogs.
Amazing how Penny realy follows you!

Love from Fei and Eve(the human)

Joe Stains said...

maybe that neighbor dog told a 'yo mama' joke, (or would that be yinz mama) and Lola was just defending you? maybe???

Girl Girl Hamster said...

Penny did so well there. :)
Lola is ok. The other dog start being mean first..

~ girl girl

Rachael said...

That was fabulous great job! I highly recommend continuing to train for the higher levels. Some of the skills required are quite difficult and its something new you can learn together.

wally said...

Wow, Penny, I'm impressed! Though more impressed with Sherman cuz he seems to get out of doing work--like me! I'm with the other dogs--it's not really Lola's fault. I'm sure it was a Yo Mama joke.

wally.

Anonymous said...

You guys looked great! Penny has fantastic attention and you work great as a team. Congrats on your accomplishments so far.