Too much drive?

[kendell]

So a lot of what I'm trying to do ow goes against all she knows.

If that's the case, you're probably causing a lot of conflict with the dog. If she's done something for six years, now all of a sudden you're using the same methods to try to get her to do something different, she's probably not going to understand what you want from her. It can be done, but its going to take a lot more time and patience to re-teach her behaviors than it would with a "fresh" dog.

That being said, I think it's great that you're putting in the time and effort to understand things before jumping in with two feet. Even if it doesnt work perfectly with your dog now, when you do get your working dog, you'll at least have had a little bit of practice and an idea of what you're getting into. Good for you for working through it!

[JMuller]

she's probably not going to understand what you want from her. It can be done, but its going to take a lot more time and patience to re-teach her behaviors than it would with a "fresh" dog.

I agree even though she isn't a "working" dog she sounds intelligent and wants to work for you. As long as you don't get frustrated and let it effect the dog than for sure take the time to try and learn some new and different ways of doing things. If you think it's too much then step back. If you get yourself all wound tight then step back. You'll be fine Just have fun training and leave it on the field when you are done.

Josh

[mnp13]

Don't get me wrong, I *love* the high drive! I guess its mostly that I'm new at this, so I don't really know how to 'use' it! It's great when she goes after a ball or a tug. but when I separate her from the other dog, and take her outside with the intention of training her, if she knows I have treats, she's hopeless! She'll jump up and down, bark, whatever - everything BUT focus.

Is this the point where I start ising corrections instead of rewards? Up until now, its been 'reward the good, ignore the bad'.

How can you "correct" her for something that she doesn't know? You'll confuse the heck out of her and shut her down. Like has already been suggested, try some lower value treats, and when she starts acting like a moron you can also just stop what you're doing and stand on her leash. When my dog starts flipping out and being like that, an "enforced down" - not screaming and yelling or dominating or anything else dramatic - just a down with your foot on the leash to keep them there until they get themselves under control can make a nice dent in the tornado.

don't get me wrong, I am not anti-corrections, I just don't generally teach with them.