Sunday, October 31, 2010

Table trouble

Everyone keeps asking me if I read the table article in this months "Clean Run".  Yes I did.  I tried to video tape her at a friends house where we taught a lesson on Saturday.  I should have made the video closer to be able to see more of her body languge.


She doesnt look like she is having any question about getting on the table. But if you see something let me know.  I think next time Ill set the camera up so its looking at her as she approaches the table.   Ive been setting her up so all sequences start with the table. I had  read an article that dogs that find running agility rewarding, making them start with the table, then reward them with running the course. That's the the reward for getting on the table.  I ended the sequence with the table to see if she would get back on. Ive also started clicking when she is running to the table instead of when she is getting on the table.  I dont know if any of this will make a difference.  The only positive I can think of from last weekend at the  B-match, was  she did get on the table.  In the pass, I  couldnt get her on at all after she started stress circling.

Here are some pictures from my hike yesterday and today.

10 comments:

Sara said...

I think clicking when Miley's running to the table is a good thing to try. The instructor at my shy dog seminar told us to start praising before the dog gets on an obstacle that stresses them. A click is pretty much praise to dogs, at least my dogs.

Gorgeous photos!

Kathy Mocharnuk said...

I would have liked to see if she was doing any lip licking or anything like that but the video was too far away-but from that far away I did not see anything---and I really wonder if it is like Breezes weaves we just dont have problems at home, it is the trial environment where she associates different things with the weaves, maybe it is that way for Miley with the table?????

Sam said...

Great photos!

I really want to read the Clean Run article about the table - my teacher said she was going to bring it to me - Marge has been having some table issues recently and I want to stop them in their tracks..

Sam said...

P.S., I think that the table being non-positional is going to help you - you're probably worried that having her stand on the table won't "glue" her to it the way a down would, but I wonder if she'll feel better since being in a down position is much more vulnerable.

Chris and Ricky said...

Miley is getting on the table like she has no issues with it. Hmmm...wish I had the answer for you!

Great photos as always!!!

Patti and DeBoys said...

Great photo's again. Good luck with trying different things with the table...crossing our paws for you to find a solution. :)

Unknown said...

Great pictures again!

Sorry that I can't give any advice or opinions on table trouble as I'm not familiar with agility. Due to Eva's weak hind legs, we can't do serious agility work either. What we do at home is mainly for fun!

Lian said...

I cannot see there is any hesitation on Miley's face when going to the table. I think you guys have cracked the problem. Maybe treating more and often and quick will help?

Dawn said...

it sure seems like forever (probably longer than forever to you!!) that you two have been working on this table problem! I hope you can figure it out!

Love the fall pictures, can't believe you can get TWO dogs to stand on a rock like that! I can't get ONE dog to do that! :)

Morganne said...

Miley looked fine. How did YOU feel? Less stressed?

I agree with one of the other comments... the positionless table should take a LOT of the pressure off of both of you.