TIPsy Tuesday (a little early)
Environmental Challenges – Better Safe than Sorry!
I came across bleachers in the shade and thought this would be a fun confidence-building opportunity for little Dave since he had never done anything like this. I had an idea of what I wanted him to do, but I didn’t start there. It was a big ask and bleachers are scary. They make noise, the metal feels different, they are off the ground, there are many planks close at different heights and they can be slippery. Here is what I did to ensure Dave was mentally and physically safe.
I am always going to test and phase in. It eliminates a chance of scaring to the point that they put the breaks on for challenges in the future. If they don’t need a phase in approach, no big deal. Better safe than sorry!
Shy Dog Spotlight - Harper.
Harper is part of our Shy Dog Class. She came to class darting to escape, unable to make eye contact, panting, shaking, would bark if we came close or looked at her, and she unable to check in with her mom.
They have been practicing attention games like the up/down game and today was a breakthrough. Harper was able to offer attention to her dog mom. Then everything started blooming. She even did a couple of tricks.
Here you can see she is still very nervous but remarkably she is working the up/down game with me at a distance. After this, Harper did not try to escape or run away when I was near moving my arms and talking to the class, she didn’t bark at me and we were able to actually go on a walk with me walking towards her which is one of her main triggers. This was a HUGE step for Harper.
Round of applause for Harper and her kind, dedicated and patient human.
TIPsy Tuesday ( a little late)
We are still working in a "remote world". Leaders are always looking for ways to make our remote experience interactive, meaningful and fun. The same should apply to our walks.
Sure we have times when we need to take care of business (wink wink), but we can do a few simple and fast things with our dogs.
YES!!!!: Leverage your marker word. Mine is "YES!!" and when I say it they quickly reorient to me because it is a predictor of food.
Sniff! Let them sniff as much as time allows or they choose.
Paws Up!: This is placing two paws on an object and holding position.
Up!: iThis is getting all four paws on an object.
Wait: Is another one I really like. I can use it before crossing the street, exiting the house or car. Notice no exclamation point after it. This is because it is not an excitable cue. I don't want them wound up and ready to go.
What do you practice on walks? These are my two big kids at three different locations. I truly practice what I suggest.
Alicia’s dogs, Dave and Liberty Belle.
Brooke continues to work on her cue cards in tricks class. We’ve added a third card “touch” to the mix.
As we add cards, they can get confused. Not ever rep is perfect. That’s ok. It’s part of the learning process.
These tricks don’t happen overnight. It takes practice practice practice.
Way to go Brooke! B
Tricks 2 Highlights
Tricks are a great way to have fun, build confidence, and work on the communication and relationship with your dog. The best part, there is no pressure and something for everyone. Don't like a particulate trick, skip it. If your dog likes using their paws, teach them tricks that leverage digging action.
Here are some highlights from yesterday. These kids did great and we had so much fun! Seeing wagging tails and smiling faces is a trill for trainers.
Therapy Dog Class
We really put them to the test! #therapydog
Dave working his virtual home manners.
Exercise 5: Manners Related to Food
Choose 1: owner has a snack or owner puts dog’s dish down
Do you think he passed this exercise?
Dave is working on his virtual home manners title.
Exercise 1: Petting and Grooming
Owner pets, then grooms dog
(head/chin, shoulders, back, chest, belly;
check ears and feet). Nail trimming is not required but you can certainly include it.
Because I used tools, there were snacks on the table grabbing his attention. I want to keep it positive even in a micro session like this.
Who is going to join me in earning the Virtual Home Manners title?
Check out Alicia’s puppy, Dave , testing one of our props for the SUMMER BIG GAMES hoops week.
Your dog probably already knows many of these cues, including sit, down, wait and come. This is a great opportunity to strengthen these cues by using them in new and different ways. Don’t worry if your pup is nervous of the decorated hoop, they can use a plain hoop instead which we will have available.
Remember these “tricks“ do not need to be fancy or flashy. The idea is to simply “do more with your dog” and have some fun!
