Here is a nice training review of a training session I did with a dog, Ophelia.
My goal was simply to build some confidence, begin establishing communication, and trust. Ophelia is a very shy reactive dog that startles at all sorts of things. She was enrolled in the Canine Outdoor Camp to offer her some more diverse experiences. It was clear when she arrived that she needed more positive experiences in her short life.
In this session I worked on 3 skills simultaneously.
"Up" - put front feet up on the platform
"On" - All four feet on the platform
"Off" - Usually, means front feet off. However in this session you might notice that Ophelia was struggling with this position.
Teaching specific movements is a great physical exercise that can stretch and strengthen a dogs body. It can also help large dogs and adolescents that struggle with spacial awareness learn where their body is in space.
This was my first training session ever with this dog so you may observe some sloppy training. I didn't have a strong goal or direction going into the training session. Sometimes with the first training session or two I am experimenting with timing, motivation, and learning history for this individual. My real goal during this training session is to learn WHO this dog is?
As a KAS student in our training programs it's worth mentioning that I also use a reinforcement cue "fetch." This tells the dog that a treat (or other reinforcement) is now available. I use "fetch" with both treats or toys to mean that they can now chase after and get the treat/toy. This also acts as a release cue or an end behavior cue. They won't be staying or continuing the behavior if they are chasing a treat across the floor.
Using "fetch" when working on stationary or minimal movement skills is a helpful way to reset the scenario. Letting you loop into another repetition.
Enjoy the lesson.
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