There is no need to feel sad because I would not train if I did not compete.

Some very interesting comments on this thread.

I would love to be a great trainer and to really enjoy training my dogs. The truth is though that I prefer long walks and hikes in the hills to training sessions. That said, I always do the foundation work with my dogs and then build on that over time in a natural way ie when we are out and about. I want them to learn "life skills" and to listen to me, but I just don't have the motivation to get focused, close heelwork or straight sit and presents etc. I love watching great trainers putting their dogs through their paces, but I just don't have the need for that in my every day life.

Outdoor training in something "useful" (for wont of a better phrase) such as herding, tracking, man trailing or searching is of interest to me and I enjoy these activities with my dogs - but not to the point where I wish to compete (yet! - although that could change with the WT training ).

Unfortunately most of the formal dog training classes I have attended over the years have been the church hall type affairs, which has never managed to ignite my training torch!

Well put! I want my dog to live as happily and safely as possible in my environment (and obviously the community in which I live), so that means not chasing cattle, lunging at dogs, jumping on people and letting me have coffee and cake el fresco in peace and quiet, whether that means he sits or goes down - his choice.

Well still struggling with perfect recall and his manners still need fine tuning!

I think I would have had a far better opinion of training had I been to a training group such as the one you went too - that really does sound like fun. With my last dog (16 years ago) when she was a puppy we did go to a good training group and she would always start off with the reason why we were teaching our dog to do what she was asking and she would have races etc.. to stimulate us and the dog!

It has been a very useful thread for me - I feel more at peace with my dog and what I expect from him and what he will and won't do. I found formal training torturous and couldn't see the point but felt I had to keep going - not anymore. I'm going to concentrate on getting him to behave according to my rules in my environment.

Incidentally - I went to one class and there were over 20 dogs in my group, my boy was so agitated I could tell he was on the edge of really bad behaviour my biggest fear was that he would start lunging at the other dogs that were far too close to him. He was bored as there wasn't enough to do - I couldn't keep him in the down position indefinitely, whilst the trainer chatted to someone else about a problem she was having with her dog!

I love walking my dogs and I love training them, sometimes the motivation to train is lacking unless I have an aim. However since pushing back a few bounderies and thinking about concepts etc I am fascinated by all three of them and their various thought processes.

I have to say I am also enjoying some of the fun dog shows---I have never done them before and the right ones make a relaxing afternoon out with friends and dogs---the wrong ones have something of the aspect of a nightmare----but nothing is perfect!

rune

I think that's a great amount he's learnt already, he knows how to stay safe and be calm when needed, better than obedience level stuff he doesn't need in his situation


I think you've hit the nail on the head there. Dogs need 'life skills' dependant on their lifestyle and situation. Axel, for example, isn't bothered about training, he wants to treats but doesn't work hard for them and soon gives up. His recall is ok in most situations, he walks beautifully on the lead (very important to me) and is calm and relaxed when I need him to be, we have no need for long sits/downs/stays and we get along just fine

I don't see the need for a dog to be trained to a high standard in countless things but I can't imagine not training mine. I enjoy it, they generally enjoy it and I've found that even the silliest of tricks can come in handy at times. Spencer loves training and is so enthusiastic about it that I'd honestly feel I was depriving him if I decided to never teach him anything else. As for walks...well I personally don't agree with not walking a healthy dog, dogs need exercise and they do not get that in a house and garden.

For me a stay is a life skill, whether it's a sit, down or a stand. I feel it's just as important as recall is and work towards having a rock solid stay whatever's going on around. It's come in handy quite a few times for me.

All I ask of my dogs is to be solid in three commands - wait, heel and leave.

If they show no interest in any training then I know that they are at least safe when I am out walking them and that is all that I ask for.

I don't compete in any dog sports so if the dog isn't interested in training then that is fine by me.

My current dogs are completely different in their training wants; Willow is now nearly 13 so doesn't have any training at all but if I do take her to the local club (she is sometimes used as a stooge) then she drops comfortably back into the class and does what I ask of her - motivator, food, she isn't called fat dog for nothing (she isn't overweight, just greedy )

Storm loves to work, doesn't matter who has hold of the lead (or indeed doesn't) he will work with them but he does play the inexperienced handlers for a fool and I swear he laughs at them He doesn't do anything perfectly in class but is a trier and I am happy that he just enjoys it. Motivator - working.

His sister Meeka is a totally different kettle of fish. She (as do my other two) will wait, leave and heel on command but anything else and she is not interested. Tried a few different motivators with her but she just didn't want to know so I haven't taken her to any training classes, there just isn't any point.

Isn't that staggering the difference between 3 dogs that all live together - I love it that they all react differently and all 3 will do different things for different reasons.

I think wait, heel and leave are perfectly adequate for my dog - the first training group I took him to he seemed to enjoy. The next class (up) just irritated him, he wouldn't do as he was told, he got highly agitated and lunged for one of the other dogs (class of 20+ dogs each squeezed in - I felt like lunging at the others in my personal space). So now he doesn't go. He is home tutored!