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Focusing on field, not bracemate

I have a 6 mo Vizsla that I have been training. She has been coming along very well considering this is my first attempt at training. I believe she is ready for her first JH event. My only concern is how to stop her playing with her brace mate and to start hunting when we enter the bird field.

Vizla owner,

Many of my own overly social pups have had the same tendencies. What I did to dissuade the dog from puppy playing with its bracemate was to give the dog a firm NO, and try and peel off on a tangent on an away course. Or I will recall the dog, bring it back to heel then admonish. During a hunt test is not the time to do this drill. This can be firmed up by running the dog if possible with other dogs, in other settings, all the while correcting the dog when it gets too playful. A distinct separation between work and play must be taught to the young dog. This lesson will keep the dog focussed on the task at hand, and keep your dog out of harms way with an aggressive bracemate. Attending obedience class is a frequent recommendation of mine.

Obedience,
this is the key to all things afield, whether it be whoa, heel or in this case, LEAVE IT (lets move on). A stern NO will keep the vocabulary to a minimum and achieve the same result. Young pups will always want to play, but it is your task to keep them obedient.

Enjoy the puppy times, they do go by so fast. I write this as I wrestle back my shoelaces from my newest 7 week old GSP pup at my feet under the desk, jealous of my short absence.

Remember, if you're not having fun, You're doing something wrong!

Best of Luck to you,

Steve Anker
Anker Outfitters
ANKEROUTFITTERS@aol.com


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