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#186860 - 03/21/08 05:49 PM
Evaluation for SchH
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Rei Chee
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 02/25/08
Posts: 75
Loc: San Diego, CA
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Hi All,
This is one of the best DVDs I own on my shelf. It is very visually informative, especially watching the what-not-to-do demos.
With that said (Ed's fave phrase  ) I work with my pup with a go-frr ball and a tug on short intervals daily. She is still easily distracted - we practice on a large field during off-peak hours - but I chalk that up as puppyhood, and keep working on it.
On Wed, I took 5 month old Janka to the local ScHh club (1 hr drive away) to have her evaluated. The meeting started at 6:30pm but by the time the pups had their turn, it was 9:15 pm, past little Janka's bedtime.
The trainer tried to lure Janka with a leather rag, but she was uncertain. So I was asked to work with her using the prey item, and said I did well on it. Although Janka showed drive, chasing the prey and attempting to bite it, she was unsure about giving a full bite.
So he advised me to get a leather bite rag to work on her drive, and told me to bring her in again to see how she does the next time.
I hate sounding ungrateful, but I was a little disappointed. But I did not know what to expect for an evaluation. We did not discuss anything prior to our 'field test', and the entire process took place just a coupla minutes.
Janka's drive, I am quite sure, is strong. Even little candy wrappers and leaves blowing along the pavement drives her nuts.
What should one expect for an evaluation? What is the normal progression for training a working dog in this sport? I am just so lost, but I would like to commit to SchH with my puppy. Should I just stick to Flinks' DVD, and worry about the other details later? What should I ask the trainer to maximize Janka's training? I was told to just go and watch the other dogs work the field, but ... I don't know how to teach things like retrieve, so watching seasoned dogs work is not very helpful.
Gosh, I hope I don't sound like I am mentally challenged with dog training. This old dog is still learning new tricks! I hope my questions make sense. I am so confused, I don't even know how to phrase them right.
Also, I am not sure if I am doing right by Flinks' DVD either. Hmm. There is nobody to critique me. I should find a way to record myself during our training sessions, and later watch how I do drive work with Janka.
Thanks in advance, and sorry for the long-winded post.
Regards,
Rei
Edited by Rei Chee (03/21/08 05:50 PM)
Edit Reason: mis-type
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#186877 - 03/22/08 12:26 AM
Re: Evaluation for SchH
[Re: Rei Chee]
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JessicaKromer
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 10/28/06
Posts: 212
Loc: CA
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When it comes to an “evaluation,” it would depend on the club, director, you and the pup. What questions did you ask the training director? The fact that he gave you the advice to get a rag and come back means he is willing to have you come back at all.
The trainer tried to lure Janka with a leather rag, but she was uncertain. So I was asked to work with her using the prey item, and said I did well on it.
If your pup would not work with the helper, then there is just not a lot to do. Work on building the confidence in herself and you so that working around people does not distract her. She will learn that this is THE most fun she could have, but only if you work at it a lot, and on the training field as well. She is young and has plenty of time to learn all that she needs.
As for the OB work, some of that you should be able to learn from the DVDs you got. If you will be going to get into SCH, you should also do what you have been practicing at home on the field. When your dog is doing well, a good training director will tell you when and how to go on to the next exercise. Watching the other handlers work, and listening to the training director or others correct or praise them will also teach you a ton.
I took 5 month old Janka to the local ScHh club (1 hr drive away) to have her evaluated. The meeting started at 6:30pm but by the time the pups had their turn, it was 9:15 pm, past little Janka's bedtime.
Also, I am not sure if I am doing right by Flinks' DVD either. Hmm. There is nobody to critique me.
I hope that was of some help. 
_________________________
Jessica 
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#186896 - 03/22/08 11:33 AM
Re: Evaluation for SchH
[Re: steve strom]
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Rei Chee
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 02/25/08
Posts: 75
Loc: San Diego, CA
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Thank you so much, Jessica and Steve, for the great advice and input.
I am so wet behind the ears at this, I have no idea what to expect, and I did assume it would be similar to obediance classes. So offering this perspective on this sport really helps, and I am very glad the trainer did take some time to watch Janka & I.
Some of the dogs were being prepped for trial next month, and it was very incredible ... I mean, just incredible ... to watch them on the field. I understand that they have precedence over the other dogs, especially mine. Janka & I were indeed lucky to be given some time.
I will continue to follow Flinks' guidance, and will update as I go along.
Thanks again. Janka & I are very excited about it. And yes, we will have fun doing it. I appreciate the encouragement, Jess & Steve.
Regards,
Rei
Edited by Rei Chee (03/22/08 11:35 AM)
Edit Reason: I need to learn to proof read my spelling
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#186897 - 03/22/08 11:38 AM
Re: Evaluation for SchH
[Re: Rei Chee]
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Sandy Moore
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 07/25/06
Posts: 2693
Loc: AZ
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Rei, she's just a bit unsure and that can be worked through. Lots of distractions for her - the people, the other dogs, the waiting, a new person to play with (the trainer). I wouldn't worry about it at all. She'll get the picture and will begin to play with the trainer with a prey item.
Don't be disappointed! You've seen her drive and know it's there. That's what you go by. Every time you've seen her in drive, you've been right there. Now she's being asked to play with someone else with tons of distractions; she'll figure it out really soon and her drive will kick in.
An evaluation can last longer than Janka's did, but since there were other dogs and pups, it was short. I wish the trainer had spent a little more time trying to engage her, but oh well. It doesn't matter at this point (5 months old).
I'm assuming the DVD you have is the Building Drive and Focus? Keep doing that and change the prey items around - leather rag, cotton rag, sock, towel, ball on a rope, a piece of garden hose. Show her that everything that is presented to her is OK to bite.
So don't be disappointed with anything you saw that Janka did or didn't do. She's too young for you to be that concerned about anything at this point and a 2-3 minute session with a trainer at 5 months old is not an "evaluation", IMO. Just keep working her and keep taking her. If you don't see progress in her desire to engage a prey item with that trainer in another 3 or 4 sessions, change trainers.
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