Place board problems

[Blackjaw]

Just clarify, I would only go and praise if she did the correct thing to begin with (not after you have to go put her in the sit position), and if you give a treat when this is accomplished I would only do it once or twice. a small treat is not a bad thing (IMO) as long as the pup doesn't associate the treat with retrieving and starts to spit the dummy in anticipation of a snack.

[Naj]

Would you have insisted on the dog sitting rather than lying down if you hadn't been using place boards. I don't mind what the dog does as long as it stays put but if I particularly wanted a 'sit' then that's what I would train for. I do use a place board for retrieve training & use edible rewards as a matter of routine and don't find that these conflict with the retrieve. If anything they enhance the delivery if used correctly.

Naj

[Rascal]

Cocker's are manipulative little critters and she could very well be doing it for your attention! As has been said if she lies down but doesn't move then I'd let her.... But I'd be quick to praise a sit verbally from a distance, I think as you move on with her training that will alter...

Where exactly is she feeling pressured do you think? That might give you your answer....

Rascal

[manorfarm]

Would you have insisted on the dog sitting rather than lying down if you hadn't been using place boards. I don't mind what the dog does as long as it stays put but if I particularly wanted a 'sit' then that's what I would train for. I do use a place board for retrieve training & use edible rewards as a matter of routine and don't find that these conflict with the retrieve. If anything they enhance the delivery if used correctly.

Naj

Yeah I think I would have insisted on a good sit even without the place board.

Her delivery is really really good so I don't feel the need to use a treat. I'm not a lover of using treats I've always shied away from using them

[Naj]

That's fair enough, about the 'sit' & the retrieve. I only mentioned edible rewards in response to what others have said. I also do the introduction & all the place board work using edible rewards & since the consensus appears to be that this is a 'pressure' problem, use of edible rewards is one possible solution. But I accept that there are others.

Naj

[manorfarm]

Cocker's are manipulative little critters and she could very well be doing it for your attention! As has been said if she lies down but doesn't move then I'd let her.... But I'd be quick to praise a sit verbally from a distance, I think as you move on with her training that will alter...

Where exactly is she feeling pressured do you think? That might give you your answer....

Rascal

If I move her from board to board she will lay down. If I put a retrieve and a distraction out she's foucs on the retive and will sit up. If she's unsure what's going to happen she will lay down. I think this is softness of nature showing itself.

I have been thinking about this and I think I need to manage her training to make sure doesn't feel the need to lay down. Tonight I took her to football pitch she has never been to before. Using a tennis ball and a throw ing stick I did 5 long marks with her. Just asked her to be steady the then sent her. No laying down. Condifience

[manorfarm]

That's fair enough, about the 'sit' & the retrieve. I only mentioned edible rewards in response to what others have said. I also do the introduction & all the place board work using edible rewards & since the consensus appears to be that this is a 'pressure' problem, use of edible rewards is one possible solution. But I accept that there are others.

Naj

[Rothievale]

I wouldn't get hung up on it, some softer dogs lie down on the drop. It's better than moving! If she has a lovely delivery then to me it's not an issue. Why is it bothering you so much?

[manorfarm]

I wouldn't get hung up on it, some softer dogs lie down on the drop. It's better than moving! If she has a lovely delivery then to me it's not an issue. Why is it bothering you so much?

Doesn't look right

[canthill]

I would try smaller boards , small enough if she is lying down part of her will come off, if she is solid in every other way she will want to remain on the board.