Trainer says Lacking Enthusiasm?

[LynnS]

You misunderstood me completely Rott-Wiley -

What I meant was that all breeds exhibit enthusiasm differently - I certainly was not making a comment about a Rottweilers work ethic or their competetiveness in the obedience arena.

[Beckysmom]

Meanwhile.... we do not have correct positions but have altogether too much bounce. I have to do the opposite of you--says my trainer--keep myself calm, and convey tranquility to my dog. I bet the happy medium is closer to Bella's side than Bodhi's! unless the goal is jumping jumps in an agility trial, in which case my B looks like he is doing that in the midst of supposed heeling. Maybe you could package up a little focus and seriousness and send it my way, and I could send you some bounce and overabundant springiness?

[LynnS]

Kate you have found the solution LOL
We should clone the best attributes from this entire site and create...SUPER ROTT!

I am just kidding of course

[Rottlva]

Lynn, sorry I didn't elaborate more.....

When I jackpot, there is also a chance that the treating will be delayed....I have paired up the command "jackpot" which means...."YES, but wait"...This is especially helpful for us to train for periods when we can't pull out food right away (ring).


But, if you are off of treating every correct response, everyother, every third and so on and are just randomly giving treats, a jackpot could be that suprise to lighten Bellas day and say "YES"... giving her that boost of praise.



Just thinking conformation wise.....my guy is very light on his feet...he "floats when he trots"......Maybe Bella travels differently, making a flatter bounce?

[LynnS]

Jessica

I didn't mean for my response to sound snippy. I understood your first post and do something similar - I think this has more to do with her attitude and mine "in class" -

Bella moves nicely (when she is not limping - another topic entirely) The floor at the training facility (temp location) is slick as ice so it's a bit hard to move at our usual pace without sliding all over the place (another reason Bella my lack enthusiasm).

I prob should have put more thought into the whole situation before posting

Or maybe as 1stRott suggested, hot dogs are really the key here (teasing you 1stRott)

[Rottlva]

Lynn... I didn't think you were snippy in the least..... I thought my post was horribly written!!! I really didn't explain what I wanted to .... therefore, I felt the need to do another post!

All the best!

[mferg]

Originally posted by LynnS
The floor at the training facility (temp location) is slick as ice so it's a bit hard to move at our usual pace without sliding all over the place (another reason Bella my lack enthusiasm).

Maybe try eliminating this factor and see what happens. The fear of slipping and falling on my posterior (very gracefully in front of several spectators who will cherish the moment for YEARS to come) would make my movement and attitude less than snappy and enthusiastic. I know there are products conformation folks use to give more grip to paws. Maybe apply some before class and see if it makes a difference. And wear ultra-grip shoes for yourself.

[LynnS]

I had no idea that were was a product available! Thanks for the tip Marlene! Now I must go and search for this producet LOL - I know... I will post something on Rottweiler.net!:D

[Miabella]

Hi Lynn,

I was thinking about this thread tonight while I was out training Ilsa at our local park. It sounds to me as though we are at the same level as you and Bella. She clearly knows what heel means and performs it consistently without rewarding every correct response, we're just polishing both of our performances.

I also will do the jackpot or reward with a game of tug after a nice heeling pattern. However, I have been moving towards rewarding with the tug more often, and I do think the anticipation of the game has improved her responses compared to jackpotting with food. I generally keep the rope tucked in my back pocket and then pull it out to reward her.

Another thing that made a difference was giving her some responsibility for the heeling. For a long time, I was still sneaking peeks at her to make sure she was watching, and in retrospect, I think that was breaking both of our rhythms. When my trainer insisted I keep my head up and trust that she was there and just concentrate on walking in a straight line, I was amazed at how much smoother our heel became. I didn't have to watch her, she was willing to take care of her end without me!

[LynnS]

Thanks Laurie!

Everyone has given really good advice!
Many times I wish I had a lot more experience with this!!!