Post date: May 7, 2009 7:59:51 PM
The latest issue of "Clean Run" (May 2009) has an article called "Changing Consequences: Catching the Tiger by the Tail" (Jenny Ruth Yasi). At the beginning of the article, the author describes her French Waterdog in a way that sounds a lot like Trevor:
"Reactive dogs are often sensitive in several ways. For example, Tigerlily can notice things I don't (like a neighbor standing in our driveway, an eagle circling in the sky, lost boots in the snow, my cell phone vibrating)... This kind of natural, genetically reinforced reactivity (hunting dogs and bird dogs seem particularly prone, but I've also seen it in Collies) and canine athleticism naturally go together. Keen senses, well-enervated bodies, quick reflexes, and amazing learning potential are paired with some of the biggest 'distraction' challenges in dog training."
Trevor isn't generally reactive and he certainly isn't dog reactive (not counting vigorous tail wagging), but he is highly distracted by things in the environment, and he notices absolutely everything, including eagles circling in the sky.
The rest of the article describes the author's use of the Premack Principle to compel very basic obedience in controlled settings. Trevor is obedient and trustworthy off-leash in daily life. But competition settings seem to bring out his inner bird dog, if you will. Trying to figure out which part is stress, which part is hunting behavior, and which part is female-seeking behavior is tough, if not impossible. He is getting neutered next Monday, so that should address one piece of the distraction puzzle. But it may turn out to be a relatively small piece. My hope is that removing the hormonal distraction will give Trevor just enough focus to start a positive feedback loop in agility--as he becomes more focused and engaged, work becomes more rewarding and so he focuses more, and so on.