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Anyone here show their dogs and use Brad's methods?
Im new to showing and have a few shows coming up next month which I am worried about. The problem is now that I no longer use treats, my Dally Lilo finds everything else much more interesting. I've been doing umbilical, not talking to her and completely stopped using treats, but when a judge is going over her I just can't get her attention!
I've tried a few toys which work when she is simply standing but then comes the fun of running round the ring with toys falling out every pocket!

Anyone got any ideas?

Katie
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I have just started handling classes and have decided that I will be using food in the ring for a little focus initially but she has to work for it. I will use it to direct her attention but only give it if she does a VERY good job...this is how the best handlers approach food in the ring anyway in most cases from what I've heard (maybe switch it up when you're practicing, use treats sometimes, others not). Also, make sure the pup is well exercised before entering the ring, not full of energy and has had a chance to smell the area before entering the ring (even if it's from a good distance away). We've been working on developing our pup's patience around other dogs, making her hold sit/stays in the middle of the dog park so she knows that just because a new dog is standing next to her (or running in front of her) that doesn't mean she needs to go and meet them. Hopefully this will pay off in the ring and keep her focused on us! Only time will tell! Let me know what you've found to work!

I do not have any experience with this. However I do know that training a show dog without food can be done, they did this for years before. I know it is not Brad's method, but if you look up the topic "traditional dog training" you will find a lot of information on old German methods. There was a lady named Saunders that wrote a book specifically on the topic of obedience training show dogs.

To keep the toys from falling out of your pockets, you can get baby links to clip to your belt loops. Then if you run the toy may fall out but will be attached to the ring ( I use these to keep my daughter from hurling toys onto the floor from the stroller, shopping cart, high chair, etc...) Very multi-purpose.

With our GSD, my dad would whisper to her as the judge made his rounds "Where's Kitty?" Since she was obsessed with our dog, and knew not to bark in the ring, she would puff up and stack perfectly.

Lilo's patience training is pretty good anyway; she can easily do a 5 minute stay at home and at the park at least 2.

We had our first show last weekend and it went okay. Im going to bow my head in shame here but I did use a little bit of smoked sausage in the ring (Im trying not to treat train). The problem I then had was because she hasnt had treats in so long she got over excited. Being a high energy breed she does get plenty of exercise especially before shows or training classes. Its the fact that she is so used to treats that now that I don't want to use them its like she couldnt care less!
She is a very smart dog and knows if she plays up enough Ill give in a use treats to focus her.
She is a display dog for a local training club too which proves problematic. They all use treats and trying to teach your dog to perform tricks such as spin and bow without treats is harder that I thought!
Im just so sick of seeing treat trained dogs not caring for their owners unless they have treats. I want to be able to do all these Shows through respect!
We did come 2nd in the show on Sunday which was great! Lilo looked so happy about her first rosette I just wish we could have won it without treats!

I think im just going to have to do some research on traditional methods and try to hold back on the treats until she REALLY works for them.
Ill keep you all posted


Katie
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I have been doing some modifications to the training program to help us with showdogs... Treats are only used in the ring and the sitting thing doesnt happen either.. I have one dog so far that is ring active so he follows the "house rules" and when he is in the ring he follows the "ring" rules.. I have tried a squeeky but it doesnt work as well as the jerky... Marcus is a natural stacker so it just encourages him to hold it longer... You can do both or just use one..it is whatever works for you... No treats here unless the dogs is in the ring .. and yes they do know the difference..

Wow

I didnt know there where others that showed there dogs. I do too.
Yeah I do use bait in the ring or a small toy ball to keep wolf focused. And than out of the ring I dont,and the pulling up on the leash to get them to sit I dont do because if the dog sits in the ring there out. I do some of the things Brad dose and so far its working.Like embilical,and walking thought the dog,interup his when he barks. Im not goin to really do everthing that Brad dose right yet,because I want to finnish Wolf's Championship frist. And than train him with more of Brad's methods. So far its working great. His only 7 and half months old and soon to be 8 months.

By the way what breed is everyone her showing and where?

Im showing German Shepherds and Im in Ontario.


Becca

Im showing my Dalmatian all the way over here in the UK!

I didnt intend to show her when we first got her but its turned out to be quite fun! I just hate it when you get a bad judge! They are more annoying than Lilo not paying attention in the ring

I am part of the Sheltie clan if you didnt know.. But I have worked with other breeds.. Shelties are alot of brushing..next time I will get a dog with less hair and puffiness..LOL oh I am in Alberta..