I have been trying to practise the present with Vince and Tess but they won't come in close and straight. I've tried it against the wall and on a chair.

I did a quick video with Tess to show how she does it against the wall.

Has anyone got any ideas/tips for getting her in closer?

Our trainer said that she will get there and I don't need to help her but at the moment she either jumps up at me or starts offering other behaviours.

As you will see on the video I'm also working on the follow with her. We can get a few steps now without her bouncing / walking backwards. I have to watch though as she likes to try and mug me for the treat.

When you did the present exercise on the wall your legs were so far apart that the dog can sit crooked. The distance between your feet should be the size of your dogs bum. If you have more sweeties in your hand you can keep on feeding her as long as she stays in that position. She will then learn to stay there longer as more is coming that way.

Also pay attention to your "good girl" as that sometimes (follow exercise) came after you gave the sweeties and it should be before. Am glad you have now taken to this follow exercise...it's good fun isn't it?!!!

THanks Hetty - good points! I will try again with my legs closer together and feed more when she is in position to hopefully encourage her to get closer!!

Will try and watch my good girls! Have a tendency to say it too much anyway. Just pleased that she is starting to take notice of my hand.

I do struggle with the follow exercise at first but Vince is doing really well at it now!!

oh well done you!, folllow is coming on well, just try now to slip abit of static in before & after , i thought it looked good, i can see how strong she is & goey!!!!!

with the present, try to point your toys forward, legs abit closer together & actually dont reach forward to feed, feed with your hands at present position at your tummy so she has to stretch.
Also i would try to do it so it isnt so angled, shut the kitch door lean on that & do it straight up so she dosent have to work so hard to get straight.

let me know when youve sussed that & i will tell you about the "bunnysnakey"

Thanks - more good tips!! Went ot her 2nd class yesterday and someone told me that to get their dog into the present they had to put the food between their legs, in their crotch!! lol said will have to try but she'll probably nip me in an akward place!!

Intrigued to know what a 'bunnysnakey' is

me to!!!

rolleyes*

shes not ready for bunnysnakey yet, i want to see better presents first!!!! Got to be able to do/understand a resonable close upright one! I await more vids!!!!

ooh you task master you!!

NOt been able to practise today as she's had a poorly stomach.

I bought a proper dumbell though today!!

Ahhh good!!!! you are getting keen!

Good luck with the dumbell, they either get it quickly or its painfully slow!!!!!

Don't say that!! It's the hold without chewing/mouthing that is going to be difficult!!

Never been interested in formal obedience but quite enjoying it so far!!