So he’s not just following your commands, he can also hear them from the other person and follow what is being asked. I think of a smart dog as one that learns quickly with few repetitions. He’s able to respond as if he can see an end goal or a pattern.

The tug nearly ended our training. He used to Out relatively until I added the tug, then he wanted to win each time and hold onto it.

I can see where a stim would slow down progress on training.  I’ve had mixed results with mine.  Probably all my fault for not using the aversive consistently.

Fortunately, following other's commands is limited and in a certain context.  In a trial, the judge will tell you when to out your dog and you get three chances.  It would not be good if my dog outed when the judge said to out my dog.  I typically use the e-collar as negative reinforcement or as a gas pedal, but in the call off, it is used as positive punishment and a brake.  Getting consistently past having to use it to correct to get the dog to recall reduces the likelihood that he will hesitate to go out when commanded to bite in the call off.  In a trial, the judge decides if the first or second send to a bite will be the call off so that it is never the same.  That becomes a factor because you have to pass two legs/trials at each level to obtain the title.

You are on the way to passing. He’s learning very solidly.  I see why you prefer this to IGE

Thanks.  If my only choice was IGP, I wouldn't compete.  I am also very fortunate that our club is only 30 minutes away.  I think if I had to travel several hours, as many people do, I also would not compete.

Love the picture with the bucket!

He looks like one of your dogs in that picture. Maybe Teaky?

Teaky is a looker.

She is.

Teaching maintaining a focused heel with decoys running by.