Smartwork training question.

[AndrewS]

I'm moving into the formal training. His first step is here with use of the e collar. The material is easy to follow; for those that have followed this program or similar ones, how long do you incorporate the formal here for? Like once a week for a month? Every other day for a couple weeks? In the book it doesn't really have a time frame suggested. It says a couple sessions and you're ready to move on, but doesn't stipulate, a couple in a week, or a couple spread out over time. Thanks fellas

 

[CA Birdman]

The dog sets the pace. I am assuming you have collar conditioned the dog but if dog is obeying and returning at a reasonable pace, I don't think a lot is gained, same with force to pile, if dog is doing what it is supposed to be doing it is only if dog gets a little lacksadaisy. Once or twice is all I have ever done. I have the whole set, last two I have cheated and had force handled by trainer.

 

[Sprigger 04]

Our dogs understood the deal in a couple sessions, but how long until it’s actually stuck in their brain I couldn’t exactly say. Those sessions with the ropes and collar definitely change the mentality of the dog and where it’s focusing it’s attention.

 

[AndrewS]

Our dogs understood the deal in a couple sessions, but how long until it’s actually stuck in their brain I couldn’t exactly say. Those sessions with the ropes and collar definitely change the mentality of the dog and where it’s focusing it’s attention.

And that's exactly where I am, she comes very well if there are no distractions. But I want to finesse that attitude that when I say here, that means now. Also as he says in the book essentially the dog needs to know that the command means now, not until I say, and not on your own time after. It took 2 zaps for her to not want to leave my side and then i introduced the restraint for a couple, then the fun bumper. I'm trying to follow the book to the word since this is my first duck dog, and I can't have an opinion on the methods unless I've done them all precisely.
Just wish I had done more with my Shepard.

 

[thomakr]

It really depends on sooo many factors
Dog temperament, balance between obedience vs excitement…

I ONLY use the e collar to re enforce a command That the pup clearly knows.

The nick should be barley perceptible
Put it on your hand and deliver a nick..

Looks like you are doing very well.

Don’t worry if you make mistakes..
Your getting to know your dog and everyday is a new day with them.. unlike humans…

You will know when you can proceed
To the next step

It’s a process and repetition is the key

 

[Sprigger 04]

From my memory the sessions for the “here” command are the introduction to the collar, you want them grasp the idea of how to turn off the power. Like he says don’t introduce any other commands during those sessions, it can cause confusion. Our dogs were just about blowing out our knees to get to us once they had figured out how to turn the collar off. I would really make sure the dog understands that compliance turns off the power. Then you can back down to just a nick and “here” to get them moving and then just the command, still on the leads so you still have control. I personally think the restraint is a key part of the deal, you want the dog to work to comply, it shows you they are trying to comply with the command and understand how to turn it off. You can always go back if you need to. I honestly think we were done with the here command stuff in a week or so with two short sessions a day once the dog understood the gig.

 

[CA Birdman]

With my labs when restrained or resistance with rope around the tree, they were wanting to come and pulling hard, didn't need the extra motivation that much. I found for the restraint, if I was down on there level, I got even bigger drive to return. I have the pager on my Dogtra and that most times is all they need.

If you are moving to formal, I am guessing your pup is 6 - 7 months old. If you post on gundog forum, you will get more responses, sometimes Evan will pop in and answer.

 

[7pntail]

It really depends on sooo many factors
Dog temperament, balance between obedience vs excitement…

I ONLY use the e collar to re enforce a command That the pup clearly knows.

The nick should be barley perceptible
Put it on your hand and deliver a nick..

Looks like you are doing very well.

Don’t worry if you make mistakes..
Your getting to know your dog and everyday is a new day with them.. unlike humans…

You will know when you can proceed
To the next step

It’s a process and repetition is the key

Best advice In bold. And, use the collar sparingly.

 

[Ravenanme]

I'm moving into the formal training. His first step is here with use of the e collar. The material is easy to follow; for those that have followed this program or similar ones, how long do you incorporate the formal here for? Like once a week for a month? Every other day for a couple weeks? In the book it doesn't really have a time frame suggested. It says a couple sessions and you're ready to move on, but doesn't stipulate, a couple in a week, or a couple spread out over time. Thanks fellas

It might be Best advice to go back and read over the entire book , having the collar so soon instead of firm OB's , even on the leash ,
is before the table work if I remember right ? I do have my copy of Smart Works but , it's been a few years !

 

[Timber Hole]

I used Smartwork. I collar conditioned to the here command exactly as outlined in the program. I did this a couple nights and we were done. I did reinforce this several times afterword by letting the dog roam and get well distracted. When I called here I used continuous pressure but unlike the full exercise when I saw a total commitment to get back to my side I got completely out of the pressure. I was very satisfied with the final result. The dog has excellent recall.