Bored with training?

[Bastianboy]

We've had Bastian through the Intermediate obedience class 3 or 4 times now. I'm wondering how you can tell if a dog is getting bored in a class? The class changes to some degree, but a lot of things are the same. Lately, I've noticed him acting up on certain things. Is he just being a butt, or could it be boredom?? When we graduated from Beginning class, our instructor told us he was getting bored and he was doing similar things. We got into the new class and within a couple of weeks, was the demonstration dog again. We won't stop training him, just wondering if we should consider doing something different. Thanks a lot!

[groupieindenial]

I think my Vegas got bored in level 2. He was still doing things well, cept his eyes started to wander more, he'd sniff more, and scratch more. I thought it was time for a change, and we did a foundations agility class (which he LOVED). He's a little too rammy, and so I think we'll be heading back to OB in June.

[Bastianboy]

That's exactly what he's been doing. Eyes wandering, sniffing, running when I go to correct, which is the first time he's ever done that. We're going to be starting private classes for agility and will probably split them between agility and obedience. I'm not sure if she's going to be teaching an advanced class (most students go to privates when they're at that level), but would join if she is. We'll see.

[jas'smom]

Well bored or no he should be listening to you However....if you are interested there are any number of activities you can do with your dog rally is great fun, agility, hiking etc.

I have noticed with my Jas while we are doing obedience on the training field if I break up the work with bits of sillyness she perks up quite a bit. I have been knowned to break into song or play a bit of run away from the dog during training, make strange noises....... She gets a big kick out of it

[Ilovemypuppy]

There are alot of things that could be causing your dog to act bored.

Treats.....should be mixed up so that the dog never knows what's coming next.... works well...put several different treats in your bag or pockets..I typically carry, tuna, salmon, chicken hearts and chicken liver treats (made at home..cut into 1/4 squares)..that way she's always curious..what's coming next for a job well done.

Also..YOU have to stay interesting and being playful or a bit un-predictable.... really makes a difference there. The tone of your voice...gotta keep it up and animated...smile..and even act goofy from time to time.

Play in between exercises.

Bailey and I are training for OB trialing..just starting with Pre Novice (CKC), but our training sessions include (for variety and fun) some of the advanced exercises like retrieving the dumbell over jumps, the seek back, moving stand, etc. The harder stuff really gets her fired up and then the heeling gets better and more animated.

Are you sure your dog is bored..or are you ? Maybe the class structure is boring ?

[Bastianboy]

I love the class and the people in it. We have a great time in class I would say part of my problem is I get frustrated with him and then he shuts down or acts worse. We don't use treats at all for training, but I certainly could try to be more animated. I think he's bored of me too. I have a time getting his attention sometimes. I'm thinking of trying Rally, but don't know of anywhere to do it around here. Most of the time he does great, just occasions where he seems to make up his own games.

[Ilovemypuppy]

Why aren't you using treats ? Would you work without a pay check ? If you are getting frustrated with him...that's not good..he feels that..that's why he is shutting down. Never train if you are feeling frustrated. Remember that he wants to have a good time with you...show him a good time...training is fun with rules. You're not in competition in class...you're there as a team and each team is different and unique. Don't let him down...get back in the game and have fun. You 'll need a really good working relationship before going on to Rally, Agility or anything else.

[Bastianboy]

We don't use treats because I've seen too many dogs that won't do anything unless there's a treat involved. He gets praise and he loves that. He and I work really well together in herding and my husband has an excellent relationship with him in Agility. It's just the obedience that he seems bored. I will definitely pick up my attitude though too. Be unpredictable.

[Ilovemypuppy]

Originally Posted by Bastianboy

We don't use treats because I've seen too many dogs that won't do anything unless there's a treat involved. .

I cannot, for the life of me , understand that kind of reasoning. So....you'd go to work every day if your boss gave you a nice pat on the head...but no paycheck ? Properly done..treat training sees the frequency of treats phased to fewer over time, intermittently and then only after a complete exercise or series of exercises. You're not using a VERY valuable training tool.

[Judi W]

There is no reason why you should not be using a more substantial reward and corrections for disobedience. This dog is not yet responsible enough to be off lead anyway and he is already in agility. If he was on leash there would not be any running when you go to correct. Praise BTW, means more to the dog when there is a true respect for compliance. His refusing might have a lot more to do with "because he can" than being bored.

[SonnyRott]

I didn't use treats either when I first started training my puppy. His rewards were geared towards toys.

But as we advanced and I read more and more (here) about using treats as another way to motivate my dog and have him "earn" his reward....OH MY GOODNESS did his focus on me become 100% better!

Use whatever works to motivate your dog and you will see your dog's demeaner change from boredom (been there, done that), to one of excitement and anticipation.

[Bastianboy]

He does not take off in agility anymore. He is very focused and does what he needs to. He is only taking off in obedience and almost all the work there is off-lead, this doesn't happen all the time nor every class. I'm not sure what other corrections I can give him. He runs, I grab him take him back to where he ran from while giving him quite healthy pops on the prong collar, if he runs while we're healing, I stomp on the leash trailing behind him and return him to where he should be. He used to get treats when he was really little, but given right other options, even the stinkiest and tastiest of salmon treats aren't enough.

[Judi W]

If there is a dog that takes off, it is not ready to be off lead. It is really that simple. His running off is his reward and much more fun than anything you can offer so of course he has no concern about doing so. Your corrections are not going to over-ride that pleasure. Hang on to your leash. It doesn't matter what the other dogs are doing or whether all of them are off lead, what matters is what your dog is doing. I am surprised your instructor has not told you that you must keep hold of the leash. This is a young dog and his behavior should not be unexpected. What should be unexpected is for the owner not to keep him under control at all times until he matures and learns to manage himself and his whims. This takes time to ride through, not just optimism

[alexav]

Originally Posted by Bastianboy

We don't use treats because I've seen too many dogs that won't do anything unless there's a treat involved.

That is because too many owners use food as a BRIBE and not a REWARD.
Jeez, give the guy a break and start paying him for his efforts.

[spidey]

Originally Posted by alexav

That is because too many owners use food as a BRIBE and not a REWARD.
Jeez, give the guy a break and start paying him for his efforts.

I couldn't agree more. If you think about it, Bastianboy, this is no different than people who say "I tried a prong collar but as soon as I took it off my dog went back to the way he was before" - you can use ANY training aid as a crutch or actually as a training aid. The reason you see some dogs who won't work without a treat is because the treat wasn't used to TRAIN the dog, but merely used to get the behaviour (the same as the recent discussions here about the dog on the e-collar). Treats are extremely valuable training tools.