I had a litter that I never stacked until 10wks I struggled then. When I started baiting these guys at 5wks it was holding the bait while they eat it then hold there rear up, just basic... sorry horrible pic

as they get older and the weeks go on I pull the bait forward in front of there face as they walk into it, feeding them as there standing, if they sit, i pull it forward again. Its all baby steps, they don't even realize there learning. I never put pups on a lead until 13wks, and when i do there used to following me around the house or outside that i don't need to use the lead. bad pic to but he's 14wks at a puppy match, second time on a lead

I think if you do to much they will get fustrated and get burnt out so small baby steps seems to work. When i start a pup in classes at 16wks, we sit ring side and play, popping in and out of the class, so they don't get borded.

Kristie Barwick
http://www.symarunbulldogs.com

I have one without the squeaker...and one with..if you use the one with..just dont squeak it in the ring while showing.


Just-LoneStar Bulldogs

www.2008nationals.homestead.com

to put the bait in the left hand with the lead and hold it out in front of them as you walk. Practice doing this at a low level then gradually bring it higher until their looking at the hand carrying the lead. I can't do this with Norbert has he'll leap for it so I have to keep talking to him and showing him the bait in front of him to get him moving. Saturday though he was so excited he choked himself and spit up in the ring, how embarassing, ugh!

Good luck!

Annise

I caught that in your post!! I also used the "watch me" command for Dixie in our early training -

now, I've changed our "watch" word to "ready" because in obedience, the judge will ask you "are you ready" and I look down at Dixie and say back to the judge "yes, we're ready" (of course the ready portion of my reply is animated) and this gets Dixie attention to look at me before we start our heeling

All very good answers and I'll try them. We have begun an informal obedience routine and I'm sure with time she'll come around, she's only 6 1/2 months, but I've had her since 10 weeks old.....I should've started then, LOL!
One point that got me thinking was everytime I'm cooking and drop something, the kids drop food or however it happens, I call the dogs to "clean-up" (if whatever it is is safe of course) so I'm sure she's learned all sorts of good things are found on the floor. My boy was never into food, always more interested in me.....men, go figure! LOL

Paula~

My dog never really knows what might pop out of my pockets. Could be a squeaky or sausage or ?...but I teach them attention so they move in the ring on a loose lead...I do that simply by turning on my heels and heading in the opposite direction saying 'easy' if going to fast is their issue or 'With me' if they are food mongers or watch the dogs in surrounding rings. Initially my dog has no clue what I am doing, which is partially the point...eventually they know that whatever word is from me I might 'disappear' and they would get a collar pop equal only to how much they were not paying attention or pulling in the other direction....so they watch or slow down or whatever when they hear the word b/c I might just disappear if they don't and they'll get a collar pop unless they are quick. This later translates into obedience work and attention. I also have a 'sound' that they know is sort of like 'stop doing whatever you were just doing'...like a louder "EH"...the second the dog responds to any of these words it is followed by praise...not petting or mushy stuff...just verbal praise. I also use 'Easy' when I am going towards the judge on the down and back so they don't rush the judge as so many of my young dogs do...gotta see the judge...why? B/c I practice with a person as my 'fake judge' and have them make some funny sounds and then when they are stopped, basically have stood well that 'fake judge' gives them a goody...but only if the 4 feet are on the floor. As they get older that 'fake judge' gets pickier and pickier about how they are standing before they get the food.


Lorraine
If only I was as good a person as my dogs seem to think I am!
Find us on:
www.karismakennels.com

Do you typically start your puppies on lead as early as 5 weeks old along with bait?? Do you find that they respond better at an age younger than say 10 weeks old??

Thanks!

a new favoite toy just for that. Some judges, and other exhibitors don't like squeaky toys/ squeakers....could I use one of them sparingly also or should I stick to one trick?

Paula~

Does she have a favorite toy? You could try a small toy that would fit in your hand and only show it to her before going in the ring so she knows that you have it. Let her play with it for a fe wminutes and then take it away when you go in the ring. Show it to her when your gaiting her. I often resort to making sounds to drawl their attention. Just don't pull her head up with constant pressure. Tug and release so she doesn't resist and continue to pull her head downward.


Just-LoneStar Bulldogs

www.2008nationals.homestead.com

I just had someone ask me this today. Hope to read some good suggestions.


Wild West Bulldogs

Pictures property of Wild West Bulldogs.

he did well and it didn't take the compition long to realize he was a bait diver, funny how the shih tzu who has never used bait... threw the bait behind her on the middle of the matt.lol NOT FUNNY, in classes I set up bait all over after the matts when every one left, I'd pick up my pace and get him all excited so he thought i was "FUN" when he thought he new which direction I was going I would switch ways and talked high pitched, if he went for any of the bait on the matt I'd tell him "NO" in a low voice and pop him, then continue with the happy voice.... he got the point. The pup I'm starting now, I've been baiting since he was 5wks, I've made SURE that he only gets the bait from my hand when he's standing, if i've accidently dropped it I pick it up quick and never let him eat it off the floor, now if it falls he doesn't even go for it, he waits until i pick it up and give it to him. bait always falls, and if they get it once there always looking at the floor. Not sure if this is any help, works for me.

Kristie Barwick
http://www.symarunbulldogs.com

to look at me with the toy you will not need it in the ring. I know people still sue them but i am doing OB training with Mia and we say "watch me" and I hold the treat at my mouth. She looks at me then I give her a small piece of it. We do this over and over.
Now at home i she is starting to look up at me with out a reward, just on command. Give it time...it will happen