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Halfpass

Halfpass

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Has anyone done it?
My OH has just started doing it with out older lab and seem to be doing really well. They have so far competed 3 times and come 7th and 6th twice.
We are thinking of using our younger lab to make up a pair but he just gets so excited and bounces along next to him rather than pulling away in front, any suggestions on how to make him actually pull or run along infront?

A quick piccy of them both
http://www.photoboxgallery.com/chillpics/photo?photo_id=378622366&vendor_id=3104
 
Cyrus/Lizzib/Suzysparkle would be the best people to ask, and I think Prosefullstop has some knowledge of it as well.

For a gaiting dog, to stop them gadding about, I just try and go faster!

It looks like great fun, well done!
 
If it is the sport I think it is, by the looks and sound of it in your reply and in the link, I know that especially some that competes in sled dog races with only one or a few dogs, practises it during the ''bare'' months when they can't use their sleds made for snow.


I've heard that some with dogs of non sled breed, sometimes begin the training in a field with some trees around it. In one tree they then tie/hang up a chicken, then they start with their dog on the field and says ''Pull, Before, Forward'' or whatever command they've chosen. The idea is that the dog should smell the scent and try to pull on the lead to get to the chicken and in the end connect the command with ''towing'' you forward. A method also used at some working dog clubs to teach the dogs going in front of its owner in special situations.


Nothing wrong in simply trying to be vigilant and take advantage of everyday situations if they turn up, as soon as he walks a little before you on a walk, you say ''insert your chosen command''. If he pulls towards something you say ''insert command'' etc.

Other way of training is that you go and stand a bit away from your dog and OH, then you call on him (your dog), when and meanwhile he tries to tow your OH to you, your OH gives the command that you've decided to use.



I would see it as very positive that he is excited and bounces of happiness along your OH. So what that he have yet not gotten the hang of what he is supposed to do, as long as he think it is fun! He should be enjoying himself and I would much rather have a dog that acts like that, than a dog that acts like an anchor that you need to encourage to believe that what you do together is fun.

But if he has a tendency to become bouncy when happy in this situation, try not to have a too happy voice when encouraging him. Find what level you need to keep your voice on, so that he recognises it as you being happy with him but still calm enough for him not to become bouncy.

smile.gif
 
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