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The Most Common Gun Dog Training Mistake
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June 25, 2010
The Most Common Gun Dog Training Mistake
By David DiBenedetto
I recently asked Pam Kadlec of Just Ducky Kennels in Edgefield, SC, about the things gun dog owners unknowingly do that undermines their training work. It didn’t take Kadlec long to come up with an answer. “Lack of follow through,” she said.
I assumed she meant that we all start out devoted to a training regimen and taper off as our dog matures, but it was simpler than that. Here’s what she had to say:
“I see a lot of amateurs give a command and then let the dog not comply, shrugging it off as if it really doesn't matter. The owner is distracted, perhaps talking to someone, and the dog is off doing his own thing. The owner calls the dog and then goes back to talking, not waiting for the dog to respond so the dog doesn't obey.”
Then she added, “If you don't care if the dog listens, this method works well.”
It’s an excellent point. It’s easy to forget that every command we give our dog is a training exercise. If a dog learns he can get away with a half-hearted response to a command in the backyard you can bet the muck rake he’ll do the same in the field.
If you’re guilty of a lack of follow through, say “here.” I’ll start…Here.
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Comments (17)
Good point.
I totally agree with Pam. Lack of follow through is the biggest problem with all types of dog training. Usually the owners aren't even aware they are giving up because it has become habit. Dog trainers don't perform magic, they just know how to follow through and do repetition after repetition after repetition....
HERE!
Here.
I hate to anthropomorphize animals, but perhaps thinking of how a kid would react to this is helpful. How would you react to your children not listening to you when you're trying to teach them an important life skill. If it's really not that important you'd blow it off, but if you really wanted them to learn, you'd follow through with the lesson. Funny how cute faces get away with more. Don't cave!
yep he's right.
"Here." If any of us who post have teenagers in the house, we full well know the importance of "follow through." I've got smart gun dogs and teenagers. What makes them smart IS NOT DNA. What makes them smart IS NOT allowing our distractions as parents AND gun dog owners to get in the way of the focused goal. Any thing less than structured follow through imparts my stature as a paper tiger...no teeth. Kinda like the United Nations, but that's a story for tomorrow.
Ouch. Generally I prefer to be compared to something a little more intelligent than a canine.
me to, especially cause my dog is kind of an idiot;)
yeah, i'm one. here.
Guilty.
here
i started out doing that but caught myself. i just brushed it off as an amature mistake. good to know even veteran trainers do it too.
Not much more embarrassing than hunting with someone who is screaming commands at an out of control dog (or two) knowing that he is just reinforcing the misbehavior of his dog.
good post dave, and the next time I'm off training with the dog I'll keep it in mind.
I never thought of this, good point!
here...
Post a Comment
I totally agree with Pam. Lack of follow through is the biggest problem with all types of dog training. Usually the owners aren't even aware they are giving up because it has become habit. Dog trainers don't perform magic, they just know how to follow through and do repetition after repetition after repetition....
I hate to anthropomorphize animals, but perhaps thinking of how a kid would react to this is helpful. How would you react to your children not listening to you when you're trying to teach them an important life skill. If it's really not that important you'd blow it off, but if you really wanted them to learn, you'd follow through with the lesson. Funny how cute faces get away with more. Don't cave!
I never thought of this, good point!
Good point.
HERE!
Here.
yep he's right.
"Here." If any of us who post have teenagers in the house, we full well know the importance of "follow through." I've got smart gun dogs and teenagers. What makes them smart IS NOT DNA. What makes them smart IS NOT allowing our distractions as parents AND gun dog owners to get in the way of the focused goal. Any thing less than structured follow through imparts my stature as a paper tiger...no teeth. Kinda like the United Nations, but that's a story for tomorrow.
Ouch. Generally I prefer to be compared to something a little more intelligent than a canine.
me to, especially cause my dog is kind of an idiot;)
yeah, i'm one. here.
Guilty.
here
i started out doing that but caught myself. i just brushed it off as an amature mistake. good to know even veteran trainers do it too.
Not much more embarrassing than hunting with someone who is screaming commands at an out of control dog (or two) knowing that he is just reinforcing the misbehavior of his dog.
good post dave, and the next time I'm off training with the dog I'll keep it in mind.
here...
Post a Comment