Day 24: The Truth Hurts

Two weeks ago I was away for a conference, and on Wednesday night L.C. had six beautiful puppies. I took a few days off and was planning to get back at it last week when my BFF and training buddy Rob hit me with a ton of bricks. I was talking about Fred flunking out of Seasoned on the water double (as he wouldn't swim through a big patch of lily pads); and I mentioned that I had issues with control that almost got him pitched. Rob sat quietly and listened to me, then threw it all out there. He mentioned that he had re-read all of my training blogs and got thinking that between what he read, and what he saw on a daily basis; that I had bigger issues with Fred.

He mentioned that I often repeat commands and that both before and after training I let him run like a mad man. He talked about how I struggle to get him lined up and use a litany of here, heel, look, etc. etc.  He went on and on and I kept coming up with excuses and explanations. I have to admit that the wine wasn't helping, but I went to bed thinking that he was crazy. I woke up the next morning, however; with a new sense of clarity. I was refusing to see it because I was getting what I wanted out of Fred in the blind running and marking; but the more I considered it, I realized that all of these little things that I was accepting were starting to add up and would soon be a great big problem.

I talked to Rob (and apologized) then came up with a new plan. I decided that each training session needs to contain a good amount of heeling, whistle sits, recall drills and just basic control. I needed to remind myself that these little behaviors are not acceptable, and that duplicate commands and refusals are not fair to the dog.

I headed out this afternoon for a good 45 minutes of heeling and short marks. I was very honest with where he was and very cautious about what I was accepting and saying. After the session, Fred was stressing a bit, but is now happily sleeping at my feet. While the truth hurt a bit, I know that I need to be clear and concise on what I want out of Fred. This is the only way that I can continue to improve my dog, and improve myself.

I'm not sure what other training elements I will incorporate, but I am sure that this tough love conversation helped me to turn over a new leaf and we will start looking at the coming weeks as a whole picture, not just a little dog who can run a blind.