What to focus on when training your Brittany on a limited basis

You know, this is something I face just like many Brittany owners. Though I do this full time, I have to make a logical choice based on where the dog was on the last lesson. The difference between me and most of you is that my last lesson for any particular dog was less than 4 to 24 hours ago.

Even though my last lesson was recent, I still have to plan what I should do next. I’d say about 1/3 of the time, I change my plans as the dog enters into the lesson based on his / her physical and mental presentation.

Huh? If you are a visual sort of person remember “P.M.” for physical and mental presentation:

Physical presentation is the position of the dog’s tail, ear position and overall body posture when beginning the lesson. I want to know up front what kind of ‘mood’ my young charge is in.

Did you know that there are over 100 positions of ears/tails that mean different things? I am still a student of the dog and don’t profess to know it all. Seminars and clinics that I give and others who make a living at it are not representative of everything you need to know.

Mental presentation or readiness is his receptiveness to training. Some lessons the dog just doesn’t want to participate and is stubborn….sometimes he is physically presenting ‘I’m happy’ but mentally not wanting to go along with training and projects a ‘yeah right, not this lesson’ kind of attitude.

There have been many times that I have last second ‘read’ a dog and changed the game plan. This change can be everything from going back and repeating the last lesson to recognizing that the dog didn’t ‘get’ the last lesson and we need to back up two lessons. It could also be that the dog is ready to move forward!

Here’s some things I’d like to share with you that may help you be more successful:

1. If the dog is not a willing participant that lesson, do something you know he will do readily. Do that repetitively and praise. Often, a warm up on what is already learned will make the dog more receptive to the next lesson.
2. Having said that, always start with something they know! It gives the dog confidence. If every time you train you start with something he doesn’t know he’ll begin to shy away from lessons.
3. Watch your dogs physical and mental reactions (P.&E.) to the lesson. Learn to read the ears and tail. They are senders. The two point out a lot to the trainer.
4. Speaking of senders, I get questions about the tail. I suggest it be left alone. Stroking it up in a lesson is debatable among trainers but most reputable trainers including me will tell you the tail is not for yanking around. It is a sender.

Well, that’s about it for today. I’m about to head out to train on wild birds at my lease so need to get going. Take care and Happy Hunting!

Dave