Jasper's leap forward - patience, patience, patience

Jaspersmum

My darling boy has missed out on ALOT of training thanks to this incinvenient thing called 'a wedding' Laughing

however we have been doing a lot in the garden and attending obedience classes each week.
Last time we visited KSS Jasper was constantly running in so on advice (though I felt guilty) I have thrown but not let him retrieve. He has had long ones and ones thrown around him so they land right infront of him/behind him etc. It was tough but he got the idea and although is still VERY eager he stays put Very Happy

Over the past couple of days DH and I have been doing training in the garden, late at night when it is coolest when he gets back from work. It has been great for Jasper because he is having a dummy thrown for him and hidden for him in our garden. It may not be huge but it is a decent size with lots of greenery to 'hide'in. I have thrown for Loki which again is great because he has a very different style of working (try laid back) but I have been trying to re-educate DH about praise and what little tricks I was taught have worked for me that may work for Loki.
well tonight we did a few blinds. For Loki this is sighing and buffing his nails looking bored because DH does this with him quite a bit, but because Jasper did not like retrieving (my fault) I have not pushed him too much. I have, on advice form here, to make it fun and he now brings it right back. I am not pushing the presenting - i.e sitting at this time as for me bringing it back was more important.
He now sits and waits for his command to retrieve, he sits and waits when a dummy is thrown for Loki, he sits and waits while a plant a dummy for Loki though a quivers with anticipation all the while Laughing

Our next plan is to take this out into the 'open' of out local farmers fields to see how they both do.
It has been a huge achievement for us novices to get this far (KMH knows this) and I am so proud that Jasper is behaving more and more like I would expect a field dog to behave Very Happy

I may not have a farm, or work in that area of life but I am glad I am doing this with my lad. Hard work it is - but the rewards are amazing when things come together.

Thanks for listening,

Emma and an almost gundog Jasper
xxx

Jemima · Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 9:56 pm Post subject:

WTG JASPER AND EMMA!!!!
Sounds like you're definitely on the right track Razz

KMH · Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 5:09 pm Post subject:

That's great Emma, very well done!

Oak has hung up his "indoor obediance classes" hat for the rest of the summer, so we won't see you on Mondays for a while, but if you fancy joining us for anything with Jasper, you know you are always welcome! You know all I do is have fun with my boys - Jasper is always a delight to have along too.

Katy

_Mary_ · Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 5:16 pm Post subject:

Sounds like Jasper is doing well, making it a fun thing is the way to do it imo Smile