Is she really confused?

[excellrott]

My big girl totally blew practice yesterday. When I went to the club last nite, my trainer said that maybe she was confused because my nephew used her for 4-H practice on Friday. I don't quite buy that, although it does make me pause about letting him train my dog. She was supposed to go for the first leg of her CD later this month, but if she keeps this up, we will not be going. :( I also think she is a bit bored with doing the same exersizes over and over. Nothing seems to motivate her (treats, toys, games, nothing) We will be doing the annual vet visit in the next couple of weeks, so I will be ruling out physical problems. All of her other activities are normal and she is excited about walks, indoor games and playing with my puppy. So what's up with her? Just plain boredom? She will be starting tracking in May.

[Patty1231]

Mine goes through episodes of this - they act like they never heard any of it before. I was planning on starting CD titling soon but in my efforts to get myself used to keeping my mouth shut and not giving double commands so I don't disqualify us, I've lost a little control with Rocco. We have learned the use of visual commands but, with training, I've gotten myself into the habit of doing both, which you can't do in competition. Oh, geessshhh! So I decided to concentrate on polishing our act before taking it on the road! :D

[SABELLESMOM]

Most dogs know or soon learn the difference between one class, say 4-H, and another, obedience. If she's confused at all, it won't be for long.

As to her lack of interest? Now, are YOU as enthusiastic, in your voice, actions, praise as you were in the beginning? If not, "get back into the swing" of things again. If she really IS bored, and I say that tongue in cheek, as most dogs are interested in whatever you're doing at the time, then change venues. Would flyball or agility be more to her liking?

Good luck with her!

[spoteet]

I have found that after weeks of daily training, giving Sajan(and me) a week or so break does us both a world of good. He comes back better than he was when we stopped. It's like he takes the time to absorb all we were doing. I know I get burned out on training and I think he does too. We are currently in one of those breaks. We are still going to our AKC obed class once a week but that's about it. I haven't even been doing our little stuff that I normally do daily with him. The great thing about the Dock jumping is that I can "train" him for it and he thinks he is just having fun :D

[excellrott]

If she wasn't stealing the puppy's food, she would have been in agility a long time ago. I just found out why she is not losing the 5lbs goal I set for her. Hopefully, now that I know she was stealing, I can correct it and get her in something besides ob. Thank you for the responses, boredome was my gut instinct. And yes, SABELLESMOM, I act a fool for her on the enthusiasim tip. :p

[damp]

A dog can very well be confused if two persons are training and do it in different ways. Even you think you do it the same way, the dog will notice a difference in the way the commands are given, your body languages etc. One may allow something the other doesn’t allow. One maybe is happy with the dog if it does the command the third time it’s given and the other enforce/correct a know command immediately if the dog doesn't obey.

Just some other thoughts to take into consideration:

“Over training”/ too much training can also be a problem even if it’s done in a happy and fun way and with the best intentions.

Dogs need spare time and a day off …just being dogs. Being "bombarded" with commands “all day” is very boring.

[excellrott]

Damp, she only spent one day doing heeling and stays for my nephew, but you are right in that we have different methods. He isn't very experianced with dogs period. We train about 3 times a week for 15-20 min, one of time a week in class and I try to do some fun tricks with them once or twice a week. For Midnite, I think I will lay off and just walk for a week, see if she gets back in the swing of things next week. Thanks for the thought.