Hi Joy and List, As some one who has cross trained dobermans & boxers for years for conformation/obedience/schutzhund and conformation/obedience/agility with my first Cavalier, Keno, I believe that there should be NO problem cross training any dog for conformation/performance competition. The biggest problem is not for the dog, but for the owner/trainer. First, and possibly most important, anticipate what goals you have and determine in advance the proper cue words/signals you will be using. For example, what will you use for the "go away" used both in utility and agility but mean 2 different things, "down" and "settle" (on your side), stand (same for anywhere), go to left heel position, go to right heel position, etc. Teaching the automatic sit will NOT confuse a conformation dog. The cues/signals are completely different. However, I do teach a bait/stand in front at the same time I teach sits and downs. Sits and downs are taught in front and by either side. Always short, fun sessions, always with lots of reward and encouragement. Never with force. Also, I don't care what leash/collar is on the dog; I rely on my body language to help the dog understand what I want. If you aren't sure what you want, you will confuse your dog. And it will show on their faces - it's sort-of like "I'm really trying to understand you, but can you please be more clear." Dogs are very tuned into body language, much more so than verbal cues and equipment. Clicker training is great. I taught Keno to do a stand/bait in one training session with clicker/treats. Currently Keno is being showned in conformation and going to obedience and agility classes. So far the only confusion I've seen is mine. (LOL) I'm taking private obedience lessions, learning techniques that I've never done before and learning to work with a small dog. Keno sometimes shows a preference to work with my trainer, at least she knows what she's doing. VBG) So go for it all. Be patient, have fun and work with GOOD trainers; those who are flexible, love what they're doing and can help you through the rough spots.
Susan Jackson Allegria Gambler's Reward (Keno) Sylmar, CA >From: Joy Glenn-Sessions <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Reply-To: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel List ><[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: Re: [CKCS-L] Clicker/agility training >Date: Sun, 23 Jun 2002 08:35:32 EDT > > Hi List, > I have a wonderful little Blen girl (11 mos old) and I am showing her in >conformation. > I am interested in POSSIBLY doing agility or obed (both) with her. Other >than the automatic sit,not being taught at this time, any suggestions? She >is a petite girl but very athletic , lots of retriving skills,etc. I have >seen other Cavs that do compete in agility..Anything to watch out for ( >health or otherwise) pertaining to Cavs and Cavs in conformation in >particular. Any favorite books on clicker training? > Thanks in advance...Joy > >========================================================= >"Magic Commands": >to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: >mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL >to start it up gain click here: >mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL > > E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. >Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html > >All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author. _________________________________________________________________ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author.
