Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 8:42 pm Post subject: Another upsetting match class
Hello
Have been practising like mad with Maisie who will be 6 months on 21/4/07 and she has been doing so well at home but as soon as we go to our local ringcraft and match nights it all goes wrong. She wont pay attention seems to forget her name and just wants to play. All the other puppies are so well behaved and stood and made themselves gorgeous, Maisie tried to hug the judge and wouldn't let her feel her over, then the walking she just was dragging along trying to get to the dogs around the edges.
I came home crying (soppy woman that I am) and don't know what I am doing wrong, what else can I do? We are due to do our first proper show next month and worried we are going to make idiots of ourselves.
Is it because she is an only dog and just needs more doggy friends? She goes to my friends house regularly to play with her labs and loves it and when she goes to the training she thinks she can do the same.
Do you use some really nice food for her as bait Carol? Tottie can get quite distracted, but as soon as I waft the liver cake under her nose - I get her full attention. It is very stinky, but dogs love it. At my ringcraft the other week there was a rottie pup and she only wanted to sit, but the trainer asked for some of our liver cake and she stood for him!!!! Magic
There is a recipe on LF somewhere for it - I will see if I can find it for you. When Tots was younger and the judge was going over her I would allow her to have her nose on my 'fist', so that she is almost trying to lick the liver cake out of it with her tongue - this way I kept her attention whilst the judge could do her stuff - obviously you can't do this when they check their teeth!!
It may also be a good idea not to feed her before you go, so that she is hungry and will give you her attention if you have food. You can feed her when you get home
I use edam cheese when we train and at show practise. She gets so distracted, she had her tea at 5 so she wouldnt be car sick and the class was at 8pm.
It might not be enough for her Carol cos I don't know what it is about this liver cake but it certainly does it for us. I do still think she is best to go without her tea, or just have half maybe and the rest when you come home. If she isn't food orientated, you could try a little squeaky toy or ball perhaps? Also when she does do what you ask of her make sure you treat her - I guess it's difficult when she is so distracted though. Still looking for recipe!!!
Oooo edam is no where near good enough on the stinky front....a really stinky salami or garlic sausage is a good one...or like Jackie says liver cake is good but required more effort They aren't expected at 6 months to completely behave themselves - they are tiny baby puppies however, practice at home with letting friends or even yourself 'go over' her at every opportunity you have may help. Get her used to being touched.
Fingers crossed that things improve Carol...I'm sure things will. Have heart.
Oh yes get something which is like heaven to her,food or a new sound
loads of yucky but lovely nice recipes floating about the site, sure people will post them for you and dont worry of she strays hun shes young and will find her bearings just after she sniffed them all first
Good luck, keep us updated x
I dont feed ellie 2-3 hours before a class, it make her focus her attention on me and the tasty bag of treats and NOT the other people and dogs. I take either cooked sausage, liver cake, or garlic sausage with me........the smellier the better
Hope the first show goes well for you,but try not to worry too much and remember and enjoy yourself.
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