Boss on Ramp
Here Boss has got the total hang of using his weight distribution and paw placement nailed!
Ramp training - final result
Here we have it - Ramp training complete!
Pretty impressive, considering a few days ago Boss would not use it to go into ute.
A clear training program, with increasing the steps and confidence.
I so love working with dogs that have learnt to trust, make decisions willingly and happily.
I think it's pretty clear that Boss feels very proud of himself - just as I am of him!
Ramp training with Boss
Here is Boss and Lisa doing his 3rd ramp training session, this time into the ute with less steep incline.
This is to allow Boss to develop confidence in his placement of his paws and to learn to use his back legs to push rather than jump. Less impact on his old joints than jumping in and out.
Training should be fun, rewarding and confidence boosting for handler and dog equally.
Ramp training with Boss
Ramp training with Boss.
All of my clients will know Boss. He has been with me over a year now and has come such a long way. Loves interaction (not so keen on the blokes though), LOVES his toy teddy and hanging out in the car. Unfortunately, he has a badly damaged front leg and now his back legs are getting a bit weaker. I really don't want him jumping in and out of the ute, so today we started his ramp training. As most clients cancelled due to the weather, we did 2 short sessions between downpours and this is his 3rd session. It will be quite steep to get into the ute, and it will wobble a little, so I start on the ground getting him used to the feel of the ramp, and then slowly increase the elevation.
target focus training
In case you are wondering - Bruno is learning too!
Many of you will know the story of Bruno, and have seen him from the upstairs window - Bruno has suffered some serious abuse in the past (recent xrays show multiple old broken bones) and he was EXTREMELY fear aggressive. 3 years or so later, he still has quite a small world as his anxiety limits his ability to cope well with change, including meeting new people.
However, he is now showing a real willingness and enjoys learning (although he has his own special style) and patience is very important with Bruno.
Just towards the end of this session, a boy racer went up the road, which usually sets him off - but not tonight! So proud of him. Every small step forward is a giant step for dogs like Bruno.
Sustained target focus training
And here is Mayhew having his turn.
First thing he had to learn to do, was not paw it!
target focus
Sustained Target Focus.
A few of my clients are now starting to teach their dogs how to maintain a sustained focus on a target.
Just so you know, that I am at times teaching and practicing the same skills with my crazy bunch 🤣, here are a couple of videos of Mere and Mayhew practicing this skill. It will be a nice visual reference as to how to start this process. As you watch the video progress you can see how the dogs start to make a strong connection to the desired behaviour very quickly.
First up is Mere.
station/settle
Just re-posting this video of Blesk learning station/settle traiing for those new clients just starting this training.
Positive Crate Conditioning
Positive Crate Conditioning.
Kind thanks to Hannah from ThinkDog for allowing this share.
Lots of my clients are currently doing positive crate conditioning so here is a lovely video from Hannah showing a gentle and kind way to teach good feelings about being crated.
If you are just starting - start with the lure process first then reward for the dogs decision to go in, and give lots of 'release' so the dog becomes much keener to enter than leave.
Drax agility
I had such fun with Drax yesterday - we tried jumping. Well, I supervised the jumping 😂
Took him a little while to get the hang of it, but pretty impressive for his first go!
Drax
Drax - done running, now balance work
Sunny - RUN
RUN!
Sunny's turn (and Stella has to get involved of course!)
RUN!
RUN!
Charley burning energy and loving it!
Toshi - moving platform work
I am so excited (as I always am!) to share this video of little Toshi.
Toshi has struggled with anxiety and some serious fear aggression issues.
His owners didn't quite realise what they had got when they rescued him from a previous life. All credit to them, they have perserved and remained committed to helping Toshi enjoy his world.
Today was the first time we attempted platform work, and Toshi really enjoyed the challenge - even when the platform moved.
So very proud of this little man!
Blesk station at home
Here's Blesk again practicing station work at his home.
He won't get off for treats that land on the ground or when his owner calls her other dog and treats him around Blesk.
The goal is that Blesk will be able to 'station' while he is at competitions and not in work.
Blesk - station training
Here's Blesk again.
At last week's session we started his 'station' training - the ability to stay on a platform while there are distractions etc.
This session, we tried it outdoors with increased distractions - especially dogs, as Blesk doesn't really know how to feel around other dogs just yet, so it is helpful if he really doesn't care about other dogs at this stage.
I am always so inspired by seeing the change in dogs and their eagerness to learn (and quickly) when we understand better how they learn and what impacts the learning ability.
Wait until you see the updated video of this exercise at his home - amazing!
Blesk - capturing choice
Introducing Blesk.
This young puppy with froma strong working line, and he had just started to feel a little overwhelmed in the big world. His first session last week he was quite barking and unsure with the dog noise on site, and not very connected with his new owner.
After 1 week of good foundation work at home, this is Blesk earlier this week.
Here we are capturing anytime Blesk 'chooses' his owner, mark the behaviour verbally and reinforce it with treats.
It's so exciting to see how quickly some dogs just love to learn, once you understandd how they learn.
Won't be long before this duo are experiencing the agility world environment.
mayhew - nail trimming
Nail trimming with Mayhew
Nail trimming is often extremely difficult and if you get it wrong and accidently cut the quick, you usually won't get another chance. Dogs who struggle and hate it, make it a stressful experience for all! I know - in the past I did force my dogs to have their nails done and it never went well. As I evolved in my knowledge I now focus on co-operative care with my dogs. They know what is going to happen and accept it.
Mayhew took a little while to say he was ready so I just waited for him to 'consent'. The first few times I just reminded him how I would hold his paw then when he stopped withdrawing, that is my cue to start.
Apolgies for the initial background noise (I forgot to mute the TV! and of course, Grayson is objecting to not being the centre of attention LOL)
Duke play as a reward
We haven't seen a lot of Duke, so here is an update.
Duke is highly reactive to most stimuli, finds it very difficult to relax and be a dog, and food is not a high motivator for him.
Turns out tug is his thing. This ticks a lot of his genetic needs, while understanding it is restricted to only a couple of specific 'tools'. Very quickly Duke realised how to hold it, how to grab it and to help him stay connected to his handler.
Watch what happens as the tanker goes past - this has not been possible for Duke previously.
Training is NOT a race, especially when emotions and unhelpful learned behaviours need to change, but the awards are definitely worth it.
Sensory Area
Welcome to..............
The New Sensory Area.
This is mostly for the many nervous and low in confidence dogs I see and work with, but each dog that has been in it over the last few days has found it interesting.
Even Boss is keen to have a good old sniff around.
If anyone has a solar garden fountain they no longer want, I'd love to add that in here 😉😍
