It's A Berner-ful Life: Dumbbell Progess

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Monday, January 19, 2009

Dumbbell Progess

Here is a short video of Bosley and his dumbbell work. The angle of the video is not great because I couldn't find a good place for the camera where nothing was in the way, but it gives you some idea of how he is doing. This video will be very boring for those who have dogs who are natural retrievers, but for me it is very exciting.

I am still keeping the dumbbell work very fun for him, with lots of cheering him on, play and cookies. I am not asking for formal fronts or finishes - I just ask that he holds the dumbbell until I ask him to release it. All I am looking for right now is enthusiasm when it comes to the dumbbell.

I am very pleased with Bosley's progress. Only a couple of months ago he would not even touch the dumbbell.

4 comments:

SarahJanuary 20, 2009 at 4:21 PM
WONDERFUL Kim!!

his learning style is similar to Gyp's with the dumbbell and in general - you cannot force anything, in no time he'll put it all together!! I'm glad it is all working! turning the SOCK into the dumbbell and building confidence through things that are more natural sure worked for her.

Then there was Kaleb -
"fetch," OK.
"hold", OK.
"give", let me think about that one.

i love that you can hear Maggie protesting and I hope you don't ding your walls to much :)
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KelliJanuary 20, 2009 at 7:34 PM
Hello!
It looks like Bosley is doing a great job!
:) Tibby
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onecollieJanuary 20, 2009 at 9:37 PM
he looks like he is having a blast!!! great job!
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VickiJanuary 21, 2009 at 4:51 AM
excellent, hes coming along nicely.

Enthusiasm usually comes the more you do it - I'm not talking about hours on end, but little and often and they soon get excited when you just get it out =)
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An Extraordinary Dog For Extraordinary People

"The Bernese Mountain Dog is different from most other dogs in many respects. Take his size, for example. Everything about a fully grown Bernese is big and strong, massive and mighty; his body, his paws, his teeth , his tongue, his tail,his emotions, his responses, his will, his good, and when they exist, not-so-good habits. Anyone who wants to adopt a Berner needs to think large. A Berner cannot be carried to the vet's in a basket; a struggling Berner cannot be pulled along on a leash; a fully-grown Bernese cannot be forced into a down position by the use of a hand-or even two. A Berner cannot be bathed in a sink, scooped up with an arm, or lifted across a puddle. A Berner slurps water with a bigger tongue from a bigger bowl (and thus slobbers more water on his folks); his coat takes longer to brush; he must go for longer walks. A Berner's paw leaves bigger , deeper, muddier tracks in the house, in flowerbeds, in the car, and on clothes; he shakes off more water upon entering the house after a hike in the rain; his tail wags with greater strength at a higher lever; he barks less frequently, but louder. A Berner bounces more merrily, mourns more deeply, sulks more sadly, resists more strongly, clings more closely, and loves more intensely. A Berner Sennenhund requires more than the little finger. He needs the whole hand, no both hands; no, still not enough. A Berner needs the total person."

---excerpt from"The Bernese Mountain Dog A Dog of Destiny" by Bernd Guenter.