Teaching the out cue
This video doesn’t look like much but it’s a new start on the “OUT” cue.
I’ve really been struggling with Nya’s “out”. I have taught this with 2 toys but it’s just not cutting it!! As soon as I drop down to 1 toy she doesn’t give it up so easily. It’s been one of those behaviours that just when I feel we are making progress we take steps back and I just haven’t been able to crack it.
Nya has natural high possession, it’s in her genes - she loves the chase, she loves the fight so she doesn’t want to give her precious toy up.
I went to a work shop recently and got some great advice from a trainer who has worked/owned working line dogs for many years, Nya is my first working line so I’m learning everyday.
I have decided to strip her “out” cue right back to basics teaching it a new way.
Step 1 - I have created new marker words. Nya now has a marker word that means a food reward and a marker word that means a toy reward. By doing this when I say “yes” she has to pause for a second and think about what reward is on offer.
Step 2 - I have changed the way we play, we are using a mix of just 1 toy and food. I play tug with her then drop the toy and let her hold it in her mouth (she’s a chomper, so allowing her to do this, gets it out of her system). When I think she is getting a little bored I ask for the “out”, and mark her with her food marker and reward numerous times.
Step 3 - I send Nya to get the toy (rather than me getting it), and encourage her to bring it to me to start the game again, by doing this I’m building confidence that I am not going to steal her beloved toy.
Why the lead? This is a management tool so that I can stop her from running off and creating her own fun.
My goal - that over time the “out” cue will get quicker and sharper as she has much more trust that I’m not trying to take her toy, she has to bring the toy to me to ignite the game.
This is the first time ever I am using this m
Reuben
Reuben enjoying a game with his human cousin 🤣
Let’s see your dogs enjoying the nicer weather…
Nya - down stay
Anyone following Nya’s journey will know about her being fearful which was resulting in her barking at dogs.
For the past couple of months I’ve been working on a non-socialisation protocol, which means no interactions with other dogs (unless she knows them). This is not forever but for her, it is necessary right now in order for me to build her confidence and let her know she doesn’t need to worry. Don’t get me wrong, we have been around other dogs but at a distance she is happy with. Today we pushed that distance (you need to test the thresholds in order to move forward). I incorporated a bit of obedience- simple down stay whilst the dog passes. Super happy with her focus and day by day her confidence is growing.
Scent work for pet dog’s
Why scent work for pet dogs?
Here at Absolute Canine we are passionate about unleashing your dog’s natural super power - the nose. We strongly believe that every pet dog should take part in scent work.
Scent work helps improve the relationship with owner and dog, you become a team. It builds trust- they take the lead on this one, we take our cues from them. It teaches your dog calmness and helps them problem solve. It also provides them with an outlet for something that is completely natural to them in a fun way. It’s suitable for all dogs regardless of age and breed.
Below are a couple of scent exercises that you can do with your dog at home:
Where’s the treat?
1. Choose an environment (this can be anywhere- kitchen, garden, bedroom etc.)
2. Hide 3 tasty treats. pop your dog on a lead and cue them to “search/find”.
3. When they find the treats, put your dog in another room and make your search area bigger or move to another environment and repeat the game.
4. Practice this everyday and watch your dog’s nose begin to go to work on your cue of “search/find”.
Chicken tracking
1. Place your dog in another room and get a large tasty piece of chicken.
2. Put a marker, like a cone, on the floor (this is so you know where to start the dog).
3. Drag the chicken along the ground making a scent track with it ending a little out of sight.
4. Go get your dog (avoid walking over the scent track so you don’t disturb the odour) and take them to the marker point. Cue them to “search/find” and watch that nose trace the track. As they get good at the game, make the tracks harder.
These are easy, fun games you could start today to get your dog’s nose working. Give them a go and send us a video of them in action.
#thepowerofthedogsnoseisendless
Free work with Fezz
Free work session with Fezz.
We are currently working with the beautiful Fezz and her owner to help with her reactivity towards other dogs.
In some cases you can’t just jump head first into working around triggers, you have to look at the bigger picture, Fezz is a prime example of that. She is super high energy and instantly scans any new environment, her arousal can then tip over into frustration and she becomes quite overwhelmed in situations, so working through arousal is our starting point. We introduced free work stations training. This is where we set the environment up, so when the dog enters, they immediately have a focus, engage the nose and start investigating. This naturally calms a dog and if rehearsed enough it begins to change how a dog looks and handles new or different situations.
Big shout out to Fezz’s owner who is an amazing handler and puts the hard work in.
Picking up objects
In Nya’s active search, I want her to be able to pick up different things. Before I add in a scent, I need to teach her to pick random objects up, today’s items were make up bag, pen, peg, chopstick, keyring and selfie stick.
Happy New Year!
What goals have you set for you and your dog for 2024? Comment and post a pic.
Wishing everyone all the luck, health and happiness in the world.
Muddy Puddles
Who else has a muddy puddle lover? 🙈
Anyone else’s dog like to make weird noises whilst playing? 🙈🙈🤣
Congratulations to our Silver Obedience graduates this week. They absolutely smashed it 🥳🎉 Looking forward to seeing you in the New Year! #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #hardworkpaysoff
