Backchaining

The weather has been fabulous out here. 60's and 70's in Midwest November is just plain freaky, but I'm delighted for it. I would have been absolutely insane if I didn't do some outdoor training, the stuff that requires setting up jumps and large amounts of area to work in. Pinch and Moto both did go-outs (Pinch is learning Renee's method, Moto is learning my method, which isn't great but seems to work for him). Lots and lots of fun. Directed jumping for both dogs was a blast. Moto loves directed jumping. Pinch still has 4" jumps pushed together, run to the raised hand. I just wish I was independently wealthy and didn't have to work for a living. This is a dog the LOVES to jump and will be a fabulous agility dog. Sadly, we may never find the time.
Then scent discrimination. Pinch is learning a la Renee method, Moto was started on my earlier trainer's method. Here's where the backchaining comes in: Pinch still searches for the cookie under the folder. He roars through almost 20 folders with eagerness and confidence. Poor Moto seemed just confused with his article work. Even with just 4 articles out, I could tell he just hasn't learn the lesson he needs to use his nose. This is a dog that lacks self-confidence anyway, and a dog not confident in article work does not a Utility Dog make.
So, I decided to go alll the way back to what Pinch was doing. Poor Moto lacked so much confidence he panicked right away when the cookie wasn't immediately found. Once he did, and tons of praise given, he got the idea there's no pressure, it's a game and should be fun. We are going to need to do the folder method until I see he thinks it's fun. What I believe I'll do once he realizes to use his nose, keep working when it isn't found right away, I'll put the scented article under a folder and see what happens. I'm hoping for a happy confident transition.
Meantime, I *think* the thyroid pills may be kicking in: he did some of the most amazing herding work EVER yesterday. It has the WOW factor. Gosh, if he became a herding dog I would be over the moon thrilled. He has a way with stock I've never seen in a Sheltie. Only once before have I seen this - with an HC Terv named Cali. I had the pleasure of working with Cali many, many years ago, using her to do some pen work. I literally fell over in awe working this dog: I could FEEL her communicating to the sheep! She worked calmly and smoothly and I believe it was the energy she was putting out that kept the sheep calm and cooperative. While Moto wasn't communicating to the sheep, he had a calm manner that put the stock at ease. This dog could do great things - if he'll continue to work at it!