How do I slow a dog down?

[cysanderson]

I have a 2 1/2 yr old dog that races as fast as he can on marks. I realize this is generally a good trait. However he doesn't slow down for hazards like ditches etc. I am concerned with him injuring himself. Does anyone have a good way to train him to slow down in the rough stuff other than experience?

[MoJo]

I have heard that Valium works quite well.

Seriously though, perhaps a lot of water marks would slow him down and make him think more.

Toungue in cheek on the first remark regards,

[2tall]

My dog is the same. I do live in fear of a major crash. The only saving grace is that Indy is small, 65#. More a problem than shear speed is the hyperness that accompanies it. I have had one pro actually suggest ritalin, but I am not going there. All you can do is hold your breath and pray.

[DRAKEHAVEN]

It's REAL simple just use inappropriate amounts of pressure when he does not understand what he is being corrected for. Pretty soon he wil be walking and if you keep it up he will start no-going.

**********JOKE*******DO NOT DO THE ABOVE*******

Try raising the difficulty of the marks and add blinds to the sequence of the marks.
Example shoot off a double, dog gets go bird, when he comes in run a blind, the n pick up the memory bird. This will cause him to think, which the high rollers need to do to be succesful. Speed kills, when they move that fast, the vast majority do not think properly.

Good luck, John

[2tall]

Interesting Drakehaven, that is exactly what we have been doing. Hasnt slowed him down yet. He runs just as dang hard on the blind as the marks. He is crazy.

[DRAKEHAVEN]

Carol,

Then I would say raise the difficulty of the task. If the dog is doing it correctly at break neck speed, it's possible too easy ? Not that you want to ruin the style points but speed does not equate to style. Style can best be judged by the dogs body language, If the tail and ears are up and the speed is down you have accomplished the task. The dog is thinking but NOT worried, it's a fine line.

JK

[h2oknine]

after a couple of times over hazards they will learn mine did

[JusticeDog]

give it a tad longer... about 3-4 y/o they at least start to look before they impale themselves....
Hold your breath regards-

[2tall]

Justice dog, you are sort of right on with my hopes. Dog will be 3 in june and is starting to show some sense. He is a hyperactive boy, but I hope to be able to focus that drive all the way to the top. you just cant imagine how fabulous it is to watch him run a big mark, in and out of water, etc, he is just insane, and I have decided to deal with it.

[Jason Brion]

My 2 1/2 yr old BLF is the same way. I asked my pro if he thought she would ever slow down. He said if she got hit by a train or truck, maybe!