After months of hard work I thought Manic Morse's Hi Ho Silver acts were under control. Now Im wondering where Im going wrong. He is much more focused on us, we can walk him at heel when need arises, his other disciplines are coming on well - but - theres been 2 worrying episodes this week. One involved a troop of boys running across his line of sight on the way to conker trees and he rushed over, refusing to either drop or return and did it so fast I couldnt do my usual chuck the lead in his direction to break the flow. The boys were so good they stopped when I shouted stand still please and refused to look at him and control was restored. The other was a 600 yard dash into a copse alive with rabbits, foxes and birds which I usually approach on lead to avoid a failed recall. Oh and I forgot the time my patience with the local numb nut who refuses to control her Lab finally ran out and I let him off lead as the Lab hurtled in our direction - she wasnt amused as they raced about the place, then I went up the road, he didnt come first time so I kept walking and almost reached the end of the path before he joned us. Not a good decision...

We cannot allow child chasing again. Both incidents occurred when I had one of my kids with me, or maybe the new routine of early morning walks when few distractions are about is involved. I think I should start training him to break off a retrieve now its solid or use a line and some of my kids to train it out. Honestly Ive done all the obvious random rewards, being the best fun on the planet etc unless I dress up as a flaming rabbit?  Its as if I can keep him within control distance for so long then he just blows..

Hi LORELAI

We found a lunge reign worked wonders - and it has solved the dashing off  using the selective hearing thingy that you are experiencing. We found we could train and work our boy at a distance with contol. Also if he doesn't come back, I walk to the car and turn the engine on, that usually put the fright of god into him!!! I once drove off out of sight,  ( this was in a very secluded area where no harm could happen, close to land my friends own), and he was just devestated that I drove off.

I always have to be alert with him, and once I tell him to stay close,  (incident with me driving off still in his mind), he is usually quite good. I once marched him back to the car when he ran the full lenght of the beach having seen something move at the far end ( about 1.5 miles), and I left him there whilst I walked our other dog. I said nothing to him just put him back in the boot of the car. Obviously we praise the good stuff, and he now listens for that. I also use a very quiet voice when I am out so the dogs have to concentrate on what I am saying. When I want them to really listen I lower the volume of my voice !!!!

good luck

Lorelei - its given me a good Monday morning giggle, imagining a giant rabbit walking a Manic Morse - tell me - will you Bunny hop or bounce??? :D :D :D

Think it's back to the lunge line for poor ole'Morse - he's just like ours - just when you think they have learned the leson, they show you that THEIR agenda is different to OURS!!!

Good luck

Margot

Same problem with mine only she thinks she's the rabbit. mini schnauzer and when she get's intrested in something and can't quite see she's either walking on her hind legs or jumping up and down actully it's more like having tigger on a bit of string.

With severe temptation occasionally negative consequences for getting it wrong are more effective than positive consequences for getting it right! ;-)

However, please bare in mind that even Field Trial Champion pointers have been known to go AWOL during trials!

I love to hear Morse stories.  I hope you continue to share them.  I don't mean to make light of your frustration. 

Our Sadie has selective hearing....she sure can bring out all the emotions in a human!

She recently polished off an entire peach cobbler.  It was still warm!  It was sitting on the back of the oven to cool to just the right temperature for an evening treat.  Sadie was the only one to get a treat.  She ate all but about an inch around the edges.  She was soooooo happy.  It took the rest of the family awhile to appreciate her happiness.

I too had the problem with chasing children and jeangenie came to the rescue with a solution for me, get my own kids to run around with her then it's no longer a fascination to her. It worked, she occasionaly looks at kids running especially if they are screaming at the same time but now just ignores them.
As for the recall, my dog too had selective hearing and I bought a whistle, made such a fuss of her and always have extra special treats when she comes back, this works 99% of the time whereas just shouting only worked 50%. Worth a try.

Thanks all for your support as ever. Havoc the negative consequences have been 1 chuck lead in his direction 2 he got lost and was out of his tiny mind withe terror 3 being quietly put back on lead and kept  there for rest of walk. None of which Morse seems to remember when the Call of the Wild hits :) Its just one lovely breed characteristic. Im carrying on working away and we are gaining more control I just cannot be distracted when the Manic One is off lead - this morning he hi hoed to his fave copse after being allowed off lead to play and his playmate came over for a pat - he seized his Morsetunity and went for it. That meant having to come cantering back to mother and being put onto lead without a word. I was able to free him later and he came back no bother when required.

I think the flooding technique sounds good and Im working on it with selected kids and massive rewards for coming away, spottydog. Margot no way am I dressing up as a bunny as it will put a gleam back into Silverbacks eye ...

Darling, he he he he he he :D Remember the Pointer is sensitive, easily trained, somewhat serious and dignified - Dr Bruce Fogle LOL

Those lovely descriptions of a Pointer are exactly why I got one!  I say  the sight of this dog curled up on the end of a sofa will make anyone smile.   And, she looks up at us with those puppy eyes....well all is always forgiven, even when she has peach cobbler on her face.  Some how she makes us want to be patient with her?????