post #8

hey, wendy! :--)

i can only agree, EVERYtime the dog comes to U must be a positive event, even if they are on a long-line + i have to bring them hand over hand as they struggle like a manic-toddler, LOL - they got there, that is all that matters.

behavior is an A-B-C sequence:
A the antecedent (the thing happening before), B the behavior, C the consequent event or consequence - the antecedents are the dog running free and U calling, the behavior is their delay but eventually returning, and the Consequence is immediate - U cannot PUNISH the dog for returning, it spoils the recall + poisons the cue. (shrug)

even dogs who fight like hooked-swordfish on a long-line as i bring them in, STILL get their enthusiastic pay-off - matter of fact, i make it even better than compliant dogs, as they had to return against the magnetic pull of serious distraction (often another dog, or a favorite activity / visual cue, like someone ELSES ball...).

its gotta be good to be worth breaking off a game, etc.!

>> if you have a... long training line the dog can still get a run (as) you are always in control but beware of dogs on long-lines running round you in circles, as you could end up very tangled, lol << - wendy

thankfully i have had practice with 1400# dogs, LOL - horses!,
and i turn with the dog as they circle, to keep the lead straight to their neck or harness. for BETTER control than a buckle-collar or wide-fabric-martingale, i use an H-harness with a front-ring - a ring on the chest, joining the straps together - and clip the leash to the chest-ring.

even a BIG dog can be slowed, stopped, and turned about with a chest-ring to clip the long-lead to -- they have a lot of momentum, so WEAR GLOVES to protect Ur hands!! from a nylon or polypropylene long-line!
i have seen terrible burns on palms + fingers from a running-rope or web line or anything poly - COTTON web-lines are much safer, but they do get wet on long-grass, etc, and that makes them heavy. for a dog over 40#, this is not a big deal - for a small dog, supporting the weight of a damp or wet cotton lead, 30-ft long, is quite an effort.
the Up-Side: they tire faster, LOL...

cheers to all,
--- terry

terry pride, APDT-Aus, apdt#1827, CVA, IPDTA, TDF