The end of November I made a trip up to Springfield, IL with a friend to do photography and compete in CPE.
I couldn't help but notice (through hours of sitting in a chair in the ring) the attitudes of competitors towards their dogs.
Not talking about the happy, peppy people, but more so the others.
One person in particular ran a dog that clearly had no interest. Yes, he could preform the obstacles correctly... But he barely made any times because he was so slow. The handler clearly tried to get him to speed up, but he just wouldn't. After the runs, the handler would stick the dog right back into his crate telling him that he "didn't listen".
I got to thinking (scary, right?) And clearly an attitude adjustment is what is needed. Not only with this handler, but many others in all different organizations.
That dog is not stupid, he knew that he always gets crated after a run. He doesn't know why, he can't speak English. Why not PRAISE the dog for a job well done/completed? He did what you asked, what more does he think you want from him? Dogs aren't humans. You can't tell them, "hey, run fast to get a cookie", and expect them to understand that.
PRAISE YOUR DOGS. REWARD YOUR DOGS. You signed up for this, I don't see your dogs signing checks for entries. If your dog is having issues, go home or to your trainer and work on those issues. Never discipline your dog for not being enthusiastic and hyper. Sure, they may be that way in training, but remember that the trial scene is MUCH different and can be scary and stressful for dogs.
Take your dogs into consideration too... Maybe agility just isn't their thing... Look for a new game for them.
Don't force them into it over and over again if they aren't enjoying it, because that will not help at all.
..................
And not only the handlers in the ring need an adjustment, but the others watching as well.
Interesting observation...
I've seen a lot of time where if your dog knocks a few bars, blows a contact, etc. that no one claps or really acknowledges you after your run (at least where I've been). Typically along with the end of a horrid run, the handler just seems quiet, upset, or even angry.
Rewatching one of my "disaster runs" on video I noticed something great in the ASCA community compared to a similar run in another organization.
The ASCA and the other run were both NQs, with more than one bar down and when I got to the last jump, I continued to praise and cheerfully get Ace on leash. In both organizations, no one clapped as Ace crossed the last jump... But as soon as I began to praise and love on Ace, the ASCA people clapped. On the contrary, with the same thing happening, no one in the other organization clapped.
Everyone deserves a job well done in the ring. (unless you were being super mean to the dog or something). This goes back to the sportsmanship thing, but I already posted about that and well... I don't have the energy to write much at the moment.
REMEMBER; getting upset will get you no where...
Love and appreciate your dogs<3
