4/1/10: SESSION PLAN

Karen and Webster

Jan and Lily

Today we held our session at PetCo in San Diego, controlling our environment as much as possible by working below (sub) threshold in one small area (bird supplies, dog toys); using kiosks for figure 8s; passing each other from different directions: seeing each other approach as well as unexpected approaches from around a corner. We worked our dogs off leash and on.

LEASH

Step 1. Introduced Poling

Outside of PetCo, using poles and trees, we transferred the "pressure on the leash" lessons the dogs have learned to a common real life situation....teaching the dog a default "stay with me when passing a pole".

This was totally new to both Webster and to Karen. They have a new default Leash behavior to work on! Karen: remember to mark (click) BOTH those times when Webster solves his problem by releasing the pressure on his own collar AND when he THINKS and stays on the correct side of the pole or the tree. Nicely done, Karen AND Webster!

Because we were working in a small, contained space, there was LOTS of Doodling.

Step 2. Off leash

When we actively practice off leash work, we are able to perform off leash in other places (generalizing just like any other behavior)

Jan is adjusting well to working Lily on her RIGHT side (instead of her left). She included both left and right turns into her Doodling.

Step 3. On leash

Doodling with leashes on. Lots of turns. Using Chutes and Ladders taking steps and mixing it up.

Step 4. Lazy Leash to a single focal point (marrying Leash and Zen)

The "next" Step in the Level Two explanation of Leash is walking toward a single focal point. Although the example found in Steps involves walking toward food, yesterday in PetCo we used two different single focal points: for Webster, a squeaky toy and for Lily, me. Same lesson. It's really adding ZEN to LEASH and marrying the two into self-control.

With Webster, briefly playing w/the toy became his reward. Then, using the RETRIEVE release cue, "Thank You", and exchanging the toy for a treat.

This leash work is also the beginning of CGC Leash behaviors:

Passing another dog while on leash

Shaking hands w/another person (Lily w/Jan handling)

and the beginning PAT (Public Access Test) Leash work:

(working in confined places while ignoring merchandise)

Both trainers found this easier using shorter leashes and by watching the clasp.

ZEN

We trained several different forms of Dog Zen using Look at That. Jan and Karen got lots of practice with their clicker timing once they had a clearer understanding just exactly what it was that they were marking - the moment the DOG calmly looks at the object of interest.

With Jan's help, Lily had ample opportunity to work on "Lynn" Zen while maintaining her focus on Jan (her handler). We gently included brief periods of OOS.

STAND (Webster)

We introduced adding a verbal cue to Webster's STAND using the How to Change a Cue formula:

New Cue + Old Cue + Behavior + C/T

Adding a faster Rate of Reinforcement

And working on eliminating the lure and the body cues.

SIT/DOWN/STAND (Brace)

Both dogs exhibited good generalization skills with their Level 1 behaviors, using both hand signals and verbal cues. Lily had no problems responding to handsignals from another person. As hard as we all try, our handsignals, although similar, vary from person to person.

A good session OTR in yet another environment.