When i go to classes with my puppy i bait him, but the instucter says i use the bait too much, but when i dont use the bait he is much less responsive, and when he runs hes looking at me for treats curving his nec to try and look at my hand or pocket which throws his running into a curve also, how can i get him off the bait?

Some breds bait more that others, what breed is he. Jackie H

hes a smooth coated collie

I have Roughs. Where are you?

i live in Wisconsin Usa

well its a video tape then Val to show how it is done . it is kinda a few blocks to far :D

'Fraid that's too far to invite you for tea! Bumblebeeacres has Shelties and is your side of the pond. Hopefully, she'll come to your rescue.

If, when you're moving, you hold the loose lead and the bait in your left hand, and have your left arm stretched out, forward and to the left of your body (I'm demonstrating now, I hope that you can see :D) he should stretch his neck forward to follow the bait.

what is bait???

sorry but im new to showing :)

Bobby

Food titbits, little bits of liver, liver cake, sausage etc or a toy if your dog is very very keen on toys. My breed would not look at a toy, think I'd gone mad, but a piece of liver cake, now thats a different matter, in general as a breed they are sure they are going to stave during the next day or two, and will pay attention to food even if it is still in your pocket. Watch others in your breed as some breeds don't bait at all but may have something in their show bag and the dog knows when it leaves the ring it will get it's treat. Oh and you give the bait or the treat along with praise whatever place you get or even it you get 'chucked out'. Another show term that means you are unplaced, as in 'chucked out with the rubish' or 'chucked out in good company'. Jackie H

Now now jackie, anyone would think you were used to the experience of being chucked out, patently not so, LOL!!!

Oh I've done my fair share, the worst is when there are six in the class and you have to walk out alone, praising your dog and trying to look un-concerened and happy. I am happy enough to be beaten by better or equal dogs or even somtimes by a different style of dog, but as happened a few weeks ago I was beaten by a Dachs in Graduate, who was 5 years old and had not only her sternum on the floor but the belly also, no need to tell you what the movement was like. Now I did leave this ring wondering what the judge was looking for, know my boy is eh, shall we say active, but would have thought he stood still long enough for her to assess but may be not. Oh! she did know what his breed was because she called him out by breed name. When this sort of thing happens you spend the next few days trying to re-assess your hound, wondering if you are wrong about him and if he has a glaring fault that you have somehow overlooked. Jackie H

is it wrong to do it to much then??
i have just started ringcraft classes and well in the class i use food to get him to do what i want but when im at home i just give him a big hugh,
i know it is easier at home as there is no one there, so should i still use it at class and any shows i go to??

Bobby

Bobby it depends what breed. But whatever breed it is, your baiting should not interfer with others in the class or the judging of your exhibit. It is fine to bait as much as you like when training as when your dog gets the idea you will be able to wait longer and longer before giving the bait. Relax, watch others in your breed and take their advice. Jackie H