Teaching WHOA

[Huntingonthebrain]

Jixer suggested to me to start training my dog to whoa by standing him on his crate and keep him from moving.... I have done this for a couple of days and he seems to be getting the idea. By no means am I done with him on the crate. I will continue this everyday for a couple of week. How would you suggest transfering this to off leash in the field??? Or am I missing a step??? should I be doing it on leash for a while as well??? Any help is appreciated.

[verno]

You just have to use baby steps. Start on the crate or table. On the leash, then off the leash. Then move him to the ground on the leash. After a while you should be able to pull the leash a bit and feel him resist moving. I also push forward on his haunches and feel him push back because he knows he's not supposed to move. Then slowly introduce more and more distractions.
Here's a good article
Whoa training (http://www.thecheckcord.com/archives/whoa.html)

[Big Bird]

Jixer suggested to me to start training my dog to whoa by standing him on his crate and keep him from moving.... I have done this for a couple of days and he seems to be getting the idea. By no means am I done with him on the crate. I will continue this everyday for a couple of week. How would you suggest transfering this to off leash in the field??? Or am I missing a step??? should I be doing it on leash for a while as well??? Any help is appreciated.

Whoa is the most important command for a pointing dog. I do emphazize the importance of this command as the rest of your training will be so much simpler if this is done completely. Go slow and easy and be consitant.

I may suggest getting a copy of "Training and Care of the Versatile Hunting Dog" by Winterhelt and Bailey. (commonly called the NAVHDA green book)

PM me as I have our chapter copies if you are intersted.

[Maverick]

Read these articles.

http://www.thecheckcord.com/archives/whoa.html

http://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/whoa-isnt-for-the-birds-Page1.htm

there is also the Smith method which is using the command lead and moving onto the whoa post. I will find you an article by him or type it out in long hand myself.


Mav....

[Big Bird]

You just have to use baby steps. Start on the crate or table. On the leash, then off the leash. Then move him to the ground on the leash. After a while you should be able to pull the leash a bit and feel him resist moving. I also push forward on his haunches and feel him push back because he knows he's not supposed to move. Then slowly introduce more and more distractions.
Here's a good article
Whoa training (http://www.thecheckcord.com/archives/whoa.html)

Verno is correct on "Baby steps" you crawl before you walk. Go slow, On top of the crate works, a mat on the floor works, a picnic table works.

BUT
I would suggest this is not a "Good article" as there are some issues in this article for a novice handle that could lead to serious medical problems, if not training problems later one. A "soft" temperment dog does not respond to this stated procedure well. He could become more afraid of the apparatus than the repercussions of not obeying the command.

I would suggest reviewing serveral of articles that can be found by surfing the net and finding one or serveral that you feel comforable which are not a punishing on the dog. Not every dog and not every trainer responds to the same procedure. While lifting a dog with a rope around his mid section and neck may work for some dogs,( yes I have used it as a resort) it is not my recommended procedure for a novice handler. I reserve this for a hard headed dog that is well matured, with little or no training and only as one of serveral possible resorts.

Another issue is the release command "OK"... Think about it and count how many times you say Ok in your speech. Use a deliberate command such as "release", or a physical tap on the head. You will be surprized what can happen when you tell your hunting partner, "ok" your ready I will move in to flush the bird. Your dog just broke on the command "OK".

My "Point" is not every method is the best for every dog and trainer. This article is a little harsh for a novice handle. Slow, repetious repeat of the command for short periods of time , building on each session from where you left off from the previous session. Do not over do it. If the dog sours, or you get fustrated, leave it ,,, come back when you have a better feel for what you want to do and the dog is fresh.

[Spear]

wow some good advice coming out of this thread. Thanks guys.