"I feel his avoidance and poor attitude is what hinders his casting mostly.".

Why do you think he acts this way…..with you?

 

"I feel his avoidance and poor attitude is what hinders his casting mostly.".

Why do you think he acts this way…..with you?

To the OP,

Think hard about what is being said above.

Hint: It's not the dog.

 

Sounds like you should grab another bumper to mark the pile before you grab an ear or the transmitter for any "refusal."

PO

 

Just keep it upbeat and fun. With repetition he will come out of it and pay attention. Remember you can always throw another bumper to reassure him where you want him to go. I'd do that before pressure

 

My Advice, Have a Pro Evaluate your dog. This could be several issues; my take would be the dog is testing-playing with the trainer, and needs correction (collar); by having to go out to do ear pinch every-time the dog has trained you pretty well, your timing of correction suffers becuz of it, and he gets to continue avoiding. However as your hesitant to use the collar, that tells me your uncomfortable with it and it's highly likely the dogs has already played on you emotions and trained you to not use it (or only use it at a nagging level; that he can ignore). So You'll need instruction on how and when to use it properly. Another take he lacks confidence in what he's doing, it's possible; but to me sounds like he's making a effort not to look at you, after you've been rather patient in explaining things. These are conflicting problems requiring 180 degree difference in fixing. However without having someone who can read the dog, to determine which it is. It will be rather hard to solve the issue.

 

My Advice, Have a Pro Evaluate your dog. This could be several issues; my take would be the dog is testing-playing with the trainer, and needs correction; Another take he lacks confidence in what he's doing. These are conflicting problems requiring 180 degree difference in fixing. However without having someone who can read the dog, to determine which it is. It will be rather hard to solve the issue.

Bingo !!!!!!

 

Thanks guys! I have had him out the last couple days doing drills. I've really simplified things with him and progressed up till he fails then take a step or two back. I did try to make it more fun with lots of encouragement too.

 

I can't really tell where you are in your training by your post. Try to train in the look at his food bowl this could help. Say "sit" then put your hand up chest high and say "look". As soon as the head come up. put the food down :"yes" Then extend the time. The look come in handy, when you need the dogs attention and focus.

Keith

 

I agree with Hunt em Up - Make sure the dog understands what you're asking - but it does sound like it is playing games. might need a refresher course to simplify, build confidence, have fun, then advance again and use pressure when you know they know what is being asked of them. Good luck!

 

If you're introducing 3 handed casting I would not be ear pinching or using collar corrections but use attrition. If they do the wrong thing a verbal No, placing them back in position and cast again.

 

First I agree with getting someone to watch you work your dog.
But you can do a few other things that may help with communication.
Get the dog used to looking at you for other things. For example, I will not let my dog out of the overnight kennel, until she sits and looks at me in the eye. She got used to sitting before a gate opens as a young dog, I do not say anything to her but as she is looking around I am quiet. Eventually she stops scanning and looks at me in the eyes. Once we lock eyes for at least 2 seconds or more, then I release her to leave the kennel. Do the same thing when feeding, sit, set the bowl down, and once she looks at me she is released to eat.
Something little, but just gets the dog into the routine that she needs to look at me.

You might take a break from yard work for a few days, you could always do walking baseball. I think dogs find it a lot more fun, especially dogs that get bored easily with yard work. And remember with your yard work, they will NEVER be perfect every time. Once they have it, move on. And remember to balance your training, yard work-field work and with a young dog don't forget to just have some play, fun sessions. Do not worry about time table, get there when you and the dog are ready. Its the journey, not the destination that is important.

Lastly be sure you are having fun too. The dog keys off you.