Tracer has a long history of health issues and is not a big fan of the vet. In order to get her the care she needs with as little stress as possible, we're splitting the whole process into a few different pieces.
1) The vet location can be scary! Gallatin Veterinary Hospital is fantastic about letting us stop by for quick fun visits. If we only go to their building when scary things are happening, then Tracer will be stressed before we even get inside! (Huge thanks for the staff at GVH for letting us practice there!)
2) Being restrained or touched in odd ways can be stressful! If we practice this at home in clear and safe ways, then it's not going to be a surprise when the vet does the same thing. Humans touch lots of stuff with our hands. Dogs aren't always used to that! Here's a video of some of our handling practice that we learned from the incredible Laura Monaco Torelli - Animal Behavior Training Concepts! We're working on pairing touch with treats!
What challenges does your dog face at the vet?
The world is full of big distractions! Squirrels, deer, cars, people, oh my! I want my dogs to be able to still hear me even when these distractions are present. So, we work with smaller distractions and practice behaviors that we want to be super solid! We practice a lot before we introduce bigger challenges.
Yesterday, we worked on laying on a mat, even with a friendly horse nearby. We've practiced this a lot inside and a bit outside, so it was time to add a medium distraction (the horse!). Tracer did great and we were very successful! This is how I always want my training sessions to be. No punishment, ever. No corrections, ever. Just a well set up situation with an appropriate challenge to help my learner grow.
What distractions could you add to your training this week to help build a solid behavior?
In the Home Depot parking lot with people walking around.
Today we were working on Social Processing. Just letting Tracer explore a complicated environment at her own pace without pressure. This can be huge for dogs that are neevois in some environments. Letting them learn to problem solve and move through a space can help grow their confidence!
Want your dog to choose you over big distractions? (Squirrels, deer, cars, bikes, oh my!) It all starts with little steps in your house. This is one of the many games I taught Tracer to help her be an amazing off leash hiking buddy.
Learn more in one of my upcoming Life Skills Classes, starting Sunday Aug. 20th and Monday Aug. 21st!
Register today!
https://trailsandtails.as.me/life-skills-class-registration
Working on training through distractions! 😂
What’s your dog’s biggest distractor?
I just love watching our agility teams grow together! They’re just having so much fun! Building confidence and their relationships! Keep up the good work!
These amazing teams braved the rain and played a bunch of new games this morning! They are learning how to be calm around distractions while focusing on building skills together. ❤️
Polar Bears! Yesterday, I was lucky enough to stop by the Oregon Zoo as part of a mini vacation and see the Cooperative Care talk with their resident polar bears. Through positive reienforcement, they have taught them to open their mouths to check their teeth, put their paws up on the fence to check the pads of their feet, move to different areas of their enclosure with a recall cue, and a few other behaviors to help the zoo keepers handle them safely.
Positive reinforcement is the only safe way to handle these powerful animals. It’s so neat to see this amazing and simple communication in action!
Tracer has been learning to slow down while doing agility so she doesn’t hurt herself! Looking good!
Do you have a dog that is undergoing surgery soon? Or has mobility issues?
If so, adding mental enrichment to your dog's day can help keep them calm while they heal without stressing their system. I love scent games for this. Try hiding their favorite treats or toys around the house!
Here's my little Tracer at 7 months old, a few days after surgery on both shoulders. Ask your vet if scent games could be appropriate for your dog!
Doing some grid work at agility class last night!
We’re learning great foundations in our Wednesday Agility class! Front crosses, post turns, blind crosses, and one jump exercises got our dogs moving tonight! It’s hard work for our handlers but the dogs are rocking it and loving all the cookies!
Thanks for keeping us in line Patricia Brewster !
Bo is loving our foundations agility class! Jumping is his favorite thing!
