Hi
Its one of those occassions that you're so happy, that you have to share it, even if people aren't interested :D :D (so forgive me please!)
On our 2nd week of my 1-2-1 training with my fantastic basset ;) I've been told by the trainer that she doesn't really need to come anymore....that Rosie already knows whats required of her, understand commands and, its just up to us to keep walking over the manholes she doesn't like, to keep walking when she just wants to sniff, and that the distractions she shows are merely that of a normal inquisitive pup :D  We've also got to concentrate on introducing lots of different routes for her walks throughout the day. It was so good to hear. My throat has dried up by the continuous 'heel' command, my neck has a permanent crick in it after watching her heel position near me all the time...but its the best measily (sp?) £30 I have ever spent in my life. She's even now walking on our right hand side (to heel) around the house too. Unbelievable. I suppose this is why I'm wanting to share it....by way of recommendation to anybody contemplating the idea.
Its nice to know the trainer isn't just after a few quid, and I'm not going to get complacent, in fact, I'll still ask her back in 3 weeks or so, just to keep an eye on our in/consistencies ;)
One tip she gave last week that seemed to really make a difference was walking extremely slowly while teaching the 'heel' command.
Anyway, thats my blurb over with.
Many thanks and take care everyone
Jo            *cracking open a bottle to celibrate, while drooling more than the dog*
:)

Jo I am so pleased it has worked out for you, there you were so worried and now so pleased, but think you should go back one more time to train your hound to hide the bottle opener :D

P.S. bet it all happened without a check chain or slaped nose in sight.

Terrific that it worked out for you :) if you get the right person 1:1 is a great help. Im interested in improving heel work - why is walking slowly so helpful?

My dog, who is not the best heeler in the world, always heels beautifully, and focuses really well, in slow pace. I have no idea why and would be interested in the answer.

I would guess because it is different - people don't usually walk very slowly so the dog wonders what is wrong and pays them more attention. I've found it doesn't really help when you go back to 'normal' pace though!
:)

Hi all,
LOL @ Jackie...definately no slapping or check chain involved....just a nice padded shoulder harness and lots of praise :)  [I get your meaning ;) ]
Jeangenie's right, walking really slow just focuses their mind/concentration better when first making sure they understand what is actually required of them for the 'heel' command. As I quicken up the pace, I still have the same amount of corrections to voice, its just helps to aid her total understanding of the command...and I just have to practice, practice, practice.
Take Care
Jo
:)

thats brilliant jo! & im glad all of those initial fears were unfounded!<bg>
the main thing with training is that you have to keep it up (abit like dieting!) & its easy to get into bad habits & let things slide or for new problems to develop without really realising until they are quite big probs!

i always think doing things at "slow" is good for teaching,as you can really make sure things are going correctly, you could add bits of normal (& fast if you want!) in between slow bits, slowly building up to more & more, pace changes are good in themselves for keeping attention. my dogs know the commands "slow "& "fasties!!!", normal is just their name cos its err...normal !!

Thanks Michelled...will definately keep it up. It was interesting to note  (I think it was Jackie who mentioned it) that even when the dogs are older, will sometimes have to utilise a trainer at some point, just to check out those bad habits of ours that can form over time :)
As for the diet...Rosie's walks have resulted in me losing a stone so far!....so for both our sakes...its off the sofa and train, train, train.
We still can't last the full 45 minutes recommended walk time yet....we get to 35 mins and I'm purple faced and Rosie has just the longest drool trail behind her...again, another goal to meet :D
Take Care
Jo
:)