I can now proudly (if uncertainly) offer a true window into dog training at Bedlam Farm, as the daily training session with Frieda nearly descended into chaos, after Minnie the barn cat ran out to taunt her, and the donkeys rushed over to bray loudly and she nearly took off after them.
I always train Frieda with Lenore, which grounds her. Frieda trusts Lenore and watches her, and Lenore is completely dependable. Having Lenore anchors our training, which occurs twice a day for five to ten minute intervals. It was bitter cold, I was slipping all over the ice, trying to hold treats while holding my Iphone (I will be glad when my Flip arrives, as the Iphone screen is very narrow for movement.) and right off the bat, Frieda started to take off after Minnie, and then the donkeys nearly took my ear off braying loudly (for food?) at me. Frieda gave them a good look, and was about to go bark at them – they feud – but I caught her. And she responded beautifully.
I usually speak very softly when training dogs, so they will focus on me to hear me clearly. I use treats about half the time. I try to use few words (not easy for me) and stay even, (not hard.) I was focusing on “come” and “sit” and “stay” although I definitely got thrown off my plan today. This session was actually a great step forward for Frieda and training. I like to train through distractions, and there were plenty, most of which caught me by surprise. Thus the herky jerky video.
Frieda was a champ. She was obedient, she enjoyed it, and twice she was called off of the chases and pursuits that were nearly continuous when she first arrived. I was very happy with today’s training session, although it was definitely on the edge. Soon I will trust Frieda to be recalled, even when sorely tempted, as happened today.
Frieda is a lot of dog. I love this video, though, because it captures the feel of training Frieda at the farm in a better way than I can, even with lots of words. She is doing wonderfully, and Lenore has played a significant role in that. Anyway, you can now see for yourself. I am beginning to get this video thing, though I have a long ways to go.
Training Frieda. Starring Frieda, Lenore, Minnie the Barn Cat (off camera) and Lulu and Fannie, out to disrupt the proceedings and nearly successful.