Doodle Behaves "Defiantly"

[Leslie C.]

Well, LiliBear once again decided she was going to be full of herself in her last intermediate agility class session.  This was her first class in weeks and she decided to run around the whole indoor area as happy as could be .... but not listening to me at all.  The instructor actually called her behavior defiant.   Usually, she will run around with a happy smile doing her own thing at least once in the beginning of the class, but this was ridiculous and throughout the whole session.  She disregarded my calls to come here and seemed to shoot me an attitude of "catch me if you can".  The trainer suggested that I find an obedient class to drop into.  LiliBear has had 3 obedience classes (went through intermediate which worked on canine good citizen)..    My plans are to work on her recall, increase her exercise, practice some obedience exercises and work on my strategy to regroup my energy the next time she tests me so.  I know at one point I kind of gave up with her level of ridiculous behavior and the trainer took us through short obstacle stints.  Any other advice?  

Thanks!

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

I was laughing a little because Rosey does this to me.  She definitely thinks she is in charge.  And yes I know it is my fault because I don't work with her enough, part of me enjoys seeing her antics.  But maybe you should tire her out a bit before class so the excitement doesn't get the best of her.

[Leslie C.]

Thanks Suzann for laughing and commiserating with me :)  I agree she needs to run off some steam prior to class to balance out her excitement.  ~Leslie

[Leslie C.]

Thanks Lori

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Sounds like she is a teenager and is "flipping you off" so to speak.  Gracie Doodle will do this every now and then and so I have to go get her and give her some instant sit/down/stay commands to remind her I am her boss.  We don't do classes.  This just happens when we are out and about or when she is in the backyard and won't come in.  Not often but when she does, I am not a happy person.  It is always off leash when she does it.  I also will just say "okay for you, I'm putting your leash back on if you are not going to listen".  Every now and then these Doodle Lovies get a hair up their butt and test us.  It is a test and you can't let them win.  Your little girl was testing you all the way!  I did get a good laugh out of reading it though.  I know the look that she was giving you!  ha ha

[Leslie C.]

Thanks for relating to my story :)  It helps to know I'm not alone....

[Kyoko]

I think it is possible that she was distracted since there were no classes for few weeks....She may had regresses a little...

At your school, do they allow you to rent a space for small fee so that you can, on your own to practice a little to prevent regression? If they do, that may be helpful to keep her on track if there would be a gap in sessions.

Also the higher level of obedience class really helps!! Charlie has been doing the Rally O for little over a year now, and agility for a couple of months. I think Rally O is the same as agility, without equipment, just on the flat floor.... Because of the obedience classes, she can sit very still at the start line until released, is very observing on my body languages. I think furthering the obedience will make a big difference in your agility training and progress.... Good luck!!

[Leslie C.]

Thanks ... I'll have to check ...

[Kim Williams]

I am smiling because my Parris did this to me as well.  My teacher told me to turn around and run the opposite way as fast as I can.  Everytime Parris would "run off" I would take off and have a party with another dog....giving them treats and attention.  She learned after a few times that staying with me was more fun than running off.  I am curious.....do you have any agility equipment at home? 

[Leslie C.]

No true agility equipment at home .... but lots of obstacles :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Is there a reward for her when she DOES come to you?  I think lots of recall work, initially using the long line will help with this.

[Leslie C.]

oh -yes ... lots of treats and praise ... Thanks Jane -  this recall work with the long line has been helpful ....

[Leslie C.]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions!!  I did work with LiliBear more on her recall and general obedience/ attention.  She also played hard in the snow with another dog the day before class.

 

We had a much better agility class session.  I also cut up a roll of tastey dog food and used this as a new training treat.  She even flew onto the teeter :)  Much better session & the instructor could really see the difference in both of us!  We both enjoyed our hour of fun obstacles.  :)  Thanks again!!