Obedience brag!

[JeanW]

Just had to brag about Kelly. He is now 2 and we have been training him since he was a pup. Last weekend we entered his first trials, he qualified at sweepstakes, got his 1st leg in novice and got 3 1st places out of 3 obedience events over the weekend. (Beating those pesky Border Collies ! :p )

We entered agility and jumping competitions too but although he had a good time he did not get anywhere. That will come with more experience I think. During one of the agility trials he stopped for a wee in the ring half way round and it lasted nearly a minute! The judge went and sat down and everyone was in hysterics. Poor Kelly ! It was so funny though, we're thinking of starting a new competition for the longest wee but I think he's already in Masters!

 

[TigersMommy.]

Congratulations Jean and Kelly! What a cute story!! At least the judge had a good sense of humor about it.

 

[Krikkit]

Congratulations Jean and Kelly! It is great to see another Boxer in the trial ring in Qld It is great you got the sweeps first go, not long now until CD (and AD and JD too!).

Sharon

 

[JeanW]

I hope you are right Sharon! We got through sweepstakes first time with our last boxer but then only got 2 legs of his CD, just could not get that 3rd one!:(
We learnt alot though so fingers crossed this time. It's just so good to see the faces of the competitors with "obedience" breeds. Don't get me wrong though, everyone is very encouraging and friendly.

We are off to Ingham next week for a double trial so we will see how we go. There is a Country Music Festival on at the showgrounds at the same time so it should be interesting. It will be good experience for Kelly anyway, and Dexter gets to go along and watch all this so he will be an old hand by the time he's ready for competition.

 

[My D-man]

How do you start?

Hi! I have always wanted to do this type of thing with dogs. And, I think Diamond would be really good at it. But, the thing is is that I don't have a CLUE what to do to start. He listens VERY well, and he is an incredibly fast learner! He learned to lay down on the FIRST try, and after the third he did it on a hand signal !!!! He is extremely obedient. I do not have to tell him twice to do anything, and I do not have to raise my voice with him.

Get this...If he is playing with something he shouldn't (a sock, etc.) I say to him, Diamond, no. AND HE WILL DROP IT AND WALK AWAY!!! any other dog I had would just look at me like, ha! yeah right, and run away with it as fast as they could!!

He is only 7 months old (really 6 1/2 now that I do the math). Is this good for a little one, or am I just a very proud parent?? :D :D :D

Please let me know what you guys think, and what I can do!
Thanks!!!!!

 

[JeanW]

Diamond is just at the right age and sounds like he has alot of natural ability. The best thing you can do is enrol in an obedience club. There you will find lots of people who will teach you the right way to train your dog. It's much easier that way than trying to do it yourself at home. Also, Diamond will get to associate with alot of other dogs which is good for him. Why don't you check your local paper or phone directory.

Just one tip though, if you want to start obedience training with a view to competing with Diamond it's not a good idea to yell at him and make him drop things. You will have a hell of a job getting him to hold a dumbell if you do that. The best thing to do if you see him with something he should not have is very calmly walk up to him and say "GIVE". As soon as he releases it you praise him and offer him a toy of his own as an alternative. That way he will not get to associate carrying things as being naughty.

By the way, there's nothing wrong with being a proud parent

 

[Krikkit]

Good luck

Jean, all the best for next weekend! I hope the festival does not hassle the trial rings too much Will you be travelling down to Townsville at all? The agility judge there has seen our kids at their best and worst in agility and he still likes Boxers

Sharon

 

[My D-man]

no yelling allowed

Hi Jean! Thank you for all of your advise!! That sounds like something I will probably look into further. It seems like so much fun for both Diamond and I.
I think though, I may have come across a little harsh in my last message with the whole dropping thing. Don't worry, I don't yell at him to put things down. I just say "Diamond, no". And when he does, he gets lots and lots of love. :p Thank you though for pointing it out, I do appreciate it.

Unfortunately, I didn't look when you sent your message so I dont' know if you had your competition this past weekend or not, but if not, Best of luck to you, and if so, how did it go??

Angie and Diamond

 

[JeanW]

Hi Angie,

I didn't think you were being harsh with Diamond, (it's OK to yell sometimes) it's just that Boxers can be very sensitive even though they look tough as I'm sure you know ! so they can easily get the idea that they are doing something wrong. Anyway, it's something to think about because I've seen alot of dogs that make it through Novice but then won't pick up a dumbell. Anyway, I think you get the idea.

We go to our next competition this weekend so will let you all know how we go, (not expecting too much though :D

Sharon, would you be talking about ?????????? in Townsville ? If so I know who you mean and will ask him about your dogs next time I see him. What club do you belong to ? We will probably go to Townsville for their next trial, sometime in July or August I think. You never know, we may meet on the trial circuit one day

 

[Marimat]

Sorry Jean

But I deleted the name of the judge you put in your post. If you need to discuss judges good or bad we prefer it be done in private please

Matthew