Re: agility...and behavior

[Ilene Cook <asorosgd@ameritech.net>]

Hi Lyn,
 Well, it sounds like Monza would be good at this agility
stuff...but....I myself would never try it until he had a obedience
title or was fully trained at the basic obedience commands. He has to
have the "idea" that while this is fun, it is also a sport and he has to
wait for the commands. 
 I am sorry to also say that I don't even begin obedience training at
this age. I wait till they are a year. I "give" them their puppyhood,
and when we train, we TRAIN!! I am unforgiving when we start training
for something. But, I wait till they are older and through the excitable
puppy stage. I encourage obedience for young dogs, but only to a point.
I want the owner to establish control, but not harshly. This I feel can
wait till they are "grown" both mentally and physically. 
 A young male is still too excitable and goofy! He has the need to play
and explore his world. Mental growth takes time and it can't be rushed.
It is like taking a two year old child to first grade. 
 I suggest you work at finding another obedience class or a trainer.
Where you live it may have to wait till spring! Work ten minutes a day
on your own at home! You will see a different dog with age. As a breeder
and dog sport enthusiast myself, I hate the puppy stage. While they are
cute and loving, I can't wait for them to get to the age when we can
participate in the sports!! It is a waiting game though. I understand
your will to get started, I just think you are in for another six months
before you can.

                              Ilene

"Lyn L. Nelson" wrote:
> 
> Hi everyone,
> 
> Yesterday, Monza and I went to an agility course just down the road from
> where we live.  I could immediately tell that we've been out of a class and
> not around a bunch of other canines in a while.  Monza was a pulling
> monster.  Even if I stopped, went the other way, or circled him, he
> continued.  He's usually so good at the watch-me command, but had a memory
> lapse yesterday.  Could this be adolescence?
> 
> I didn't try anything with him until he got familiar with the area and the
> others, but he could've still been there familiarizing himself.  Treats
> barely phased him, although that may have been my fault.  He doesn't really
> care for the generic Pupperonis I brought.  The other people were giving
> scarce, but kind, suggestions to me about how in their puppy classes they
> first learned to have the pup watch them.  Well......we've been there, but
> he's just not a willing participant at the moment.  Since I didn't know any
> of these people and none of them were trainers, I was a little hesitant in
> how strong of correction I could give and I'm sure Monza could sense it.
> 
> So, the people said they limit puppies & new people to the A-frame and
> tunnels.  Monza took me to the A-frame and over he went without even
> pausing.  That's when I told the on-lookers that Monza likes to climb....it
> was a slight reprieve.  On to the tunnel and I thought he'd be wary of it.
> A very nice, older gentleman offered to hold him, once, while I crouched at
> the other end.  I called Monza - THRU and he raced on through it.  Next
> assignment?  The closed tunnel.  I went to the other end and stuck a fake
> Pupperoni treat in the end.  Monza, Monza - thru!  He sauntered through it
> smelling along the way.
> 
> We used these three things for a while until Monza kept inching over to a
> panel jump with 3 bars on it.  He practically tore for it and instead of
> jumping, barrelled right through it.  Did you say, BRAWNY, Gina?!   So, the
> whole thing fell apart.  I had to let him go since I was on the other end of
> busted apparatus.  He went directly to where the Shelties, Border Collie,
> and Corgi were all sitting watching him.  Yes, my face was red.  Not too
> easy to put it back together while stepping on Monza's lead, either.  No one
> wanted to hold him for me.  I almost put him back into the Jeep when he
> wouldn't settle after the first 30 minutes.  Maybe I should have?  I don't
> know if he would've made the connection between his behavior and my putting
> him back in the vehicle early?
> 
> The only piece they're missing that I could see is a see-saw.  They have
> pause blocks, weave poles, dog walk, tire jump, etc.  It costs $2.00 @ time
> and they meet every Sunday morning from 10-11:30am.  I'd like to go back
> there, but I need someone there that can teach me what to do.  I think these
> people were a little taken back by Monza's anxiousness since what they
> mostly told me was about obedience.  Yes, I need to get into another class.
> 
> Lyn

-- 
Ilene Cook
asorosgd@ameritech.net
http://asoros.tripod.com/asoros.html