Bruce Schwartz wrote:Agree with AG's advice. Since your dog's default with stimulation is recall, any pressure from the collar to have it go any other direction besides back to you will just cause anxiety - which you've noted. And it didn't sound like FF went smoothly either from previous posts. Likely you've had most success with PR so why not just stay with that? There's nothing wrong with praise and a treat to get success, and there's a lot written about how most training can be accomplished with PR.
You've obviously come a long ways with a dog that wasn't a clean slate when you got it, and, coupled with it being your first dog, you've had some trials. I'd say you're to be commended for your efforts. I'm of course wondering if you're training for the UT ... and if so, why? Some dogs take to the duck search with a vengeance and others not so much.
As you can tell I'm critical of a test that encourages us to game the system in order to be successful. Let us know how we can help.
I appreciate all the feedback, not just Bruce's.
FF did not go smoothly as you picked up on. I transitioned to a clicker and things went better, maybe because it took my emotions out of it, maybe because my dog is very food driven. Actually I didn't mention it but on that last duck search I was giving my dog successive clicks (which I've done before) as she was searching/going away. I always have her collar on when training or hunting but that doesn't mean I use it, so it was on but I never used it.
I would like to test her UT. She was tested through the german system (DD) VJP and HZP by her prior owner. I just want to go through the test so I know what to expect and to get the first one out of the way. I've volunteered and helped at tests and am actually taking the handler clinic this weekend. This is mostly just learning for my next dog.