I am entering Casey in two local obedience and rally trials this April. I figure this will force me to focus my training efforts, stick to a training plan, use a journal efficiently, and train my dog! Casey is 1 1/2 years old, a bi-black sheltie, eager, fun-loving, very bright, and a pistol. He has a lot of energy and attitude. I thought that I'd blog our progress. I think that will also help keep me on track and moving.
Where we stand right now:
- Heel on Leash & Figure 8--Heel position is really pretty good, even on turns. Slow pace is good, he gets excited and bounces on the fast. Sits at heel are crooked, working on them separately. Heeling around people is fair.
- Stand for Examination--Getting stand on cue. Working on standing still while being petted. He gets focused on me and surprised when the "judge" touches him. Holds stand as I walk out six feet and back. Holds stand as I do a return around him.
- Heel Free--Same as Heel on Leash.
- Recall--Comes at a run. Fair front. Need to get rid of the jumping on me before he fronts. Finish is fair, working on finishes separately.
- Group Stays--Working on duration up close. Holds a sit or down as I walk across the ring and back; also as I return around him.
I will include the rally novice exercises as we go along.
