New Bertie Intermediate class - Wednesdays

If you have completed a beginner course either at Bertie or elsewhere and wish to continue with your dogs training please contact us as the course will soon commence on 11th April at 7:30 at Rosemead Drive, Oadby. The course will focus on consolidating the basic elements as well as providing new work orientated challenges which will help to keep your dog's mind occupied. Places will be limited to 7 in the class.

Philip and Rufus - Oadby Inters

Philip and Rufus joined us only two months ago starting in our Fast Track one-one class and then joining the inters. To say that Rufus was a a handful is an understatement, however he was also quite sensitive. Over the weeks both made progress though it was slow however in the last two weeks Rufus started to gain his confidence. On the last night of the Inters Philip informed me that he was going to take a six week break before rejoining the class and after some delicate threatening behaviour on my part Philip agreed to stop on. He even took on the offer of a free session in last nights Friday inters. All I can say is since Tuesday Philip must have consolidated 6 weeks of training because having joined the class as newbies he left with a dog that complied with every request, completed every exercise confidently and looked like a veteran. Well done both for all your hard work not to forget Philips wife who also train the Rufus.

Success I find is always just around the corner and if you give up you will never find it.

Please take a look at the following video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj1GAQDCPiY&feature=related

Absolutely fabulous - Maria and Maisie - Church Langton Beginners

This week saw the last of the beginner sessions at the Langtons venue. Maisie came to us 7 weeks ago and could not walk on the floor let alone take part in training.  three weeks later she started to grow in confidence which left her with just three weeks remaining on the course. Last Thursday on the last night Maisie was in the middle of doing heel work when she suddenly stopped. Rather than continue I asked Maria to leave her, call and stop her after one step. Maisie obliged. She went on to do a stand stay, down stay, having refused to lie down before, greeting test, heel work, recall etc to earn the foundation certificate in but ten minutes of work. Maria is to join the intermediate group on 12th April and ordinarily would not have started any work towards the Foundation certificate until then . Yes of course she made mistakes but at 7 months of age and having such a difficult start what Maria and Maisie have achieved was a first in Bertie history and Maria must take full credit for being able to take advantage of this opportunity. Below is a short video of them working.

Many members have heard me say that learning to read your dogs body language is far more important than listening to me and this point was proved here.

Read the next blog for a report on Philip and Rufus.

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Oadby Inters and sheep social

Bertie inters at Oadby will be held at Rosemead Dr, same as te beginners on Wed 11th April onwards. The session will start at 7:30 pm and is open to anyone who has completed a beginner course. Places will be limited so please contact us as soon as possible to book a place. Email:  nij@bertiedogs.com

There are still places available for the sheep social session on 1st April at 9:30-11:30am.

Dogs Vs Bitches

It is worth bearing in mind when you sometimes notice your bitches being of colour, going of their food or  being indifferent in response to training exercises that their change in mood may be due to pre-seasonal behaviour. Sometimes this can occur up to two months prior to their season and despite many bitches coming into season on average 6 monthly it is no unusual for their first season to be around 8/9 months.

Similarly dog behaviour will change as they approach 6 months of age and they can become more aloof and ignorant.

I have found it useful to keep a diary of their mood and behaviour changes so that you are able to predict them in the future as well as a record of when they start and finish their season.

If you work your dog you may find that bitches may not change during work but around the home they will be different. You will have to be sensitive to their moods and look to deflect their behaviour rather than get drawn in and be frustrated or angry.

Bertie Langton Beginners and Inters

Beginners

Young Dotty  a collie course started a few weeks a go a bit of a handful, barking pulling but what a transformation a few weeks can make. Positive and calm handling on the part of his owners has transformed this young pup into a calmer more biddable dog that is now showing tremendous promise. The journey is not over yet but the potential of this dog is evident to all and I for one am looking forward to seeing this pup develop.

Inters

The inters continued their good work from last week and it is a joy to work with this committed group of dog handlers who are finding success easy to come by although probably are not so positive as I am. Now the basics have been consolidated the members are now able to undertake more work orientated exercises such as scent and nosework.

There are still a few laces left for the sheep social on Sunday 1st April if anyone is interested.