Gundog Training Forum

I have a leave it, I sort of trained it accidentally (most of my stuff was ) when training gundog type things but with no real intention of working her, during the use of dummies and trying to be "something like" I used to chuck a dummie and say "leave that one" then chuck another and send her. This command eventually evolved into "leave that" and comes in very useful whilst beating etc.... I am not saying that she necessarily complies 100% of the time but hey ho

It was years before I realised I never actually taught a "leave it" command, must have been the look on my face for all those early years.

Judy wrote: ↑Sat Feb 12, 2022 4:37 pm It was years before I realised I never actually taught a "leave it" command, must have been the look on my face for all those early years.

canismajor1 wrote: ↑Sat Feb 12, 2022 9:06 am Eat it

Well, she did have a little chomp, before I pinched it.
This is a pup that always has something in her mouth. When she was tiny, I found that making a fuss just made her more keen to pick up random stuff. I was never going to be able to extract every leaf, twig, slug and pebble from her little mouth and she might end up swollowing things that she would otherwise just spit out. I kept 'Leave it' for the disgusting stuff and I stopped looking up which plants are poisonous to dogs. There are lots
She had a spate of litter picking. Drink cans were a favorite. Although one thing she won't pick up (fortunately) is another dog's full poo bag and there are lots of those lying about.

Judy wrote: ↑Sat Feb 12, 2022 4:37 pm It was years before I realised I never actually taught a "leave it" command, must have been the look on my face for all those early years.

It amazes me how nuch my pup notices my slightest action, even when I think she is busy sniffing.
If I put my hand to my neck (whistle), she pops back beside me looking hopeful. If I walk with a hand behind my back she keeps looking behind me, just in case I have dropped something.
If I am aware of these, how much more does she notice that I don't realise?

You’re picking up plenty too…a start on reading your dog.

Your dog is constantly reading your body language/cues and knows what you’re going to ask of it long before you give the actual cue, long before you even know what you’re going to do in some instances.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 ... 122206.htm

newf wrote: ↑Mon Feb 14, 2022 1:02 pm You’re picking up plenty too…a start on reading your dog.

That is a nice thing to say, thank you.

Naj wrote: ↑Mon Feb 14, 2022 4:32 pm Your dog is constantly reading your body language/cues and knows what you’re going to ask of it long before you give the actual cue, long before you even know what you’re going to do in some instances.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 ... 122206.htm

That is very interesting.
I think it is difficult to be aware of all the body language / cues you are inadvertently offering and, for a novice trainer at least, this requires concentration.
She certainly knows if I move towards the fridge.

No need to be particularly aware of what ‘cues’ you’re giving out, they all morph into each other and become part and parcel of the relationship you build with your dog, the one reading off the other. That’s why I don’t think so much in terms of commands but more so in developing routines and rituals on a day to day basis. Makes much more sense to a dog.