the 2 minute stay for grade 1

[millie]

Hi, I am having trouble to get my 7 month lab to concentrate for this length of time without a couple of reminders. I go back to shorter lengths of time but still can't get to 2 minutes. What am i doing wrong or have you some ideas? I am very new to this.

[Bogtrotter]

What happens? You say he doesn't concentrate, what do you mean by this? ... does he get up? If this is the case, I suggest you increase the time you're demanding by smaller increments. If he'll do 1 minute fine, the just go for 1 min 5 secs and don't lengthen the time until that's absolutely secure. Then, just increase by 5 secs, each time not moving on until the previous one is 100% secure. Don't remind him ... If he fails to do what you ask, just go quietly and put him back into position without saying anything. What is the grade 1 you are referring to? Is it the Gundog Club?

Fiona

[millie]

Hi, Yes it is beginner retrieve with gundog club. First she lies down and then decides she has had enough and moves. is it best to do this exercise indoors away from distractions ?

[Naj]

What distance are we talking about?

[Alice]

7 months is very young to stay for two minutes, are you sure you're not expecting a bit too much?

[Breezybrook]

I believe the Grade 1 distance is 20 yds. Try getting the dog to stay for longer periods of time building up to 2 mins with you only being 5 yds away, when he can confidently do this then move to 7 yds and gradually increase the distance.
I find it is much easier to achieve stays at a short distance and I increase the time the dogs "stays" before I increase the distance.

[Naj]

Thanks - that's what I was thinking. If the dog won't stay for 2 mins when you are a couple of yards from it then it's no use going any farther.

Naj

[millie]

Thanks for your positive replies. will try shorter distances again and work up. I am only doing this as it is required for the test.

[Bruneval3]

Hi Millie,

Like others have said, this is a process of "you" staying calm sit the Dog and give the stay command and leave, start with you only being the lead length away, I do not always do a set time I might do 20 secs could be whatever you want, just my way I never have eye contact but aware of how the dog is and if need be reinforce the stay. It is an exercise that you build up to over time, some get it quicker than others.

The Bitch I am bringing on at the moment and awaiting Grade 3, at Grade 1 would have quite willingly sat for 5 mins at the 25m distance. When out on her walks now I will sit her and leave her up to 100m sometimes for 2mins sometimes for 5mins I will keep her guessing, but when I return to her, she is praised calmly before being released, just keep at it and build up slowly, don't try rushing. Good luck.

[Judy]

Thanks for your positive replies. will try shorter distances again and work up. I am only doing this as it is required for the test.

The stay is probably the most useful thing to teach a dog but I guess you are meaning only doing it at that age because of the test? The dog will be ready for the test when its ready, they are all different.

A sitting dog can't get up without lowering its head, if you can watch for that and reinforce the stay with a verbal command before the bum leaves the ground its a lot easier. I find preemptive strikes leave the pup in awe - "how did she know what I was thinking?!"

Unlike Bruneval3 I do keep eye contact initially, backing away from the pup letting it know I am watching, I also keep my hand raised in the sit command and gradually fade that once the pup gets the idea. Doesn't usually take very many goes before I can turn and walk away a few paces. The important thing is to not stress the dog as a stressed dog doesn't learn as quickly. Keep it simple, advance slowly, introduce distractions slowly and you'll soon have a dog you can leave out of sight and know it won't go anywhere without your say so. Not that I would recommend that too often and then only in secure places.