Stronger Bond after training session

[spoteet]

Sajan and I had a very enjoyable agility class last night, lots of fun, excitement and accomplishment(he's getting more comfortable on the teeter). After we got home I was noticing that Sajan was a even more loving and focused on me than normal. He only wanted to play with me, only sit in my lap. Most nights he takes turns playing with me and Gerald. I asked Gerald if he had noticed anything different in Sajan's behavior after we went to class. He said he noticed that Sajan seemed closer to me afterwards and I didn't tell him what I was getting at!

Has anyone else noticed a special closeness after a good training session? Kind of like the experience strengthens the bond between the two of you?

[carolynnl4]

Makin' me jealous, Sharon. I think you're very lucky and it's evidence of all the hardwork you put into building the bond between you and Sajan.

Usually when Athena's finished with an obedience training session, she's ready to do something more physically active ...play tug, wrestle with another dog, play hide and seek, chase, etc. She's not particularly interested in ME, just getting some physical energy out. But then again an obedience training session is probably a lot different from an agility one.

[LynnS]

Very Cool Sharon!

I notice that when Bella knows she has done a really good job she will do anything to keep me engaged (she gets on a roll)...

Not sure if that is the same thing though...

[MontanaRott]

Great point Sharon. I can clearly see the difference in the interaction between Phil and Guerin after a particularly good session or after they have a break through on some training point. After Guerin and Phil got through their first run at OB this weekend, even though they did not qualify, Guerin could tell by Phil's body language how happy he had made his partner and he was really "up" and the bond between the two of them has hit a new level after this weekends competition.
He gets all silly when we work together and I praise him, most of these guys live to make you happy and really seem to want to keep that feeling going, for you and for them.

[Brooke&Ryan]

I certainly do Sharon. Like you said, Julius will be more focused on us & want to engage us more. It's a great thing.


Brooke

[spoteet]

Originally Posted by carolynnl4

Makin' me jealous, Sharon. I think you're very lucky and it's evidence of all the hardwork you put into building the bond between you and Sajan.

Usually when Athena's finished with an obedience training session, she's ready to do something more physically active ...play tug, wrestle with another dog, play hide and seek, chase, etc. She's not particularly interested in ME, just getting some physical energy out. But then again an obedience training session is probably a lot different from an agility one.

Thanks Carolynn! I just love my little man to pieces He is such a joy to work with

Maybe you could try using tug as a reward during training as well as after. I get all kinds of weird looks in our AKC class because I alternate between a treat and a good quick game of tug after he does something good. Sajan is quiet vocal when he tugs Those AKC puff dog owners don't get it.

[MontanaRott]

LOL, Sharon we do the tug game to, before he goes in and after, get him jacked up and excited beforehand and let him get rid of stress and celebrate after. We don't get many looks of OMG! as much as we get looks of look at that dog have fun! And he is a noisey beast during tug too. You and Sajan are a wonderful team and you deserve many kudos for all of your hard work.

[Brooke&Ryan]

Originally Posted by spoteet

Maybe you could try using tug as a reward during training as well as after. I get all kinds of weird looks in our AKC class because I alternate between a treat and a good quick game of tug after he does something good. Sajan is quiet vocal when he tugs Those AKC puff dog owners don't get it.

We get the same looks as well. We've been using the tug quite a bit recently as a reward & you can really see Julius click "on" when he knows he's going to get the tug.

And yes, he is vocal as well. Some of the people just stand there with their mouths wide open & watch...

[spoteet]

Originally Posted by MontanaRott

You and Sajan are a wonderful team and you deserve many kudos for all of your hard work.

Thanks!

[jas'smom]

I think our dogs turn themself inside and out to please us Once they "get it" with something you are working on with them and you show them how good they are with body language and play I think they want to keep that going. I know my Jas gets so "up" when she knows we are going tracking or are just going to work together on some OB. She gets a sparkle in her eyes and a hop to her step She knows she gets special time with mom and the other dogs just have to wait their turn!


You and Sajan are a special team I think. But then again, I think you and Sajan are pretty special individuals.

[spoteet]

Originally Posted by jas'smom

I think our dogs turn themself inside and out to please us Once they "get it" with something you are working on with them and you show them how good they are with body language and play I think they want to keep that going. I know my Jas gets so "up" when she knows we are going tracking or are just going to work together on some OB. She gets a sparkle in her eyes and a hop to her step She knows she gets special time with mom and the other dogs just have to wait their turn!


You and Sajan are a special team I think. But then again, I think you and Sajan are pretty special individuals.

Thanks Pam!

[carolynnl4]

Sharon, we have been trying to incorporate tugs into our training, but more because she's not allowed to have treats anymore. (trying to get her to eat her kibble.) I've spoiled my dog into expecting treats, though, so now we're working past that AND trying to incorporate the tug into training.

*sigh* So we're butting heads a lot, but seeing you work with Sajan is definitely a souce of inspiration and something to aspire to!

[spoteet]

Originally Posted by carolynnl4

Sharon, we have been trying to incorporate tugs into our training, but more because she's not allowed to have treats anymore. (trying to get her to eat her kibble.) I've spoiled my dog into expecting treats, though, so now we're working past that AND trying to incorporate the tug into training.

*sigh* So we're butting heads a lot, but seeing you work with Sajan is definitely a souce of inspiration and something to aspire to!

Maybe you could try a toy she finds more interesting to get her started?

Good luck and keep at it, you and Athena will get it