These are the Flips that we were talking about this morning.
I was the single focal point for Lily. I am always her focal point.
Sue had NO clicker and NO treats.
She accepted NO excuses. Watch her body language. Watch how she uses the environment. Watch how she gets and keeps Lily's focus and attention. She doesn't ask Lily to "Watch". But by her handling, she demands attention. NO excuses. Period. End of story. But conversely, lots of praise, too, when it's deserved. I am holding the camera, so that gives you your frame of reference.
And the leash is always loose. But note the length of the leash. So many examples of good handling skills.
Let's utilize the Comments box to talk about what you see that might be helpful to you.
Lesson 1
In front of my house
Lesson 2
In front of Starbucks
NOTE: In addition to the crowded sidewalk with throngs of people and limited space, there were two dogs within 8' of Lily, one on her left and one on her right. I doubt she even noticed them. That's what focus does.
Sue begins by getting Lily's attention, L1 Sit.
ReplyDeleteFrame 22, I suspect after Lily looked at Lynn, Sue anticipated Lily to tighten the leash and Sue immediately distracts Lily by turning. this repeats in Frame 29.
Frame 43, getting Lily to focus again, L1 Sit.
When Lily looks at Lynn with no apparent leash tightening, Sue praises Lily verbally.
Frame 1:18 Lily tightens and Sue breaks it with another turn.
Frame 1:30, getting Lily's attention again...hey, you're working with me; asks for a L1 Sit and praises Lily. This occurs in several more frames.
When Lily jumped into the car, it appeared she did not turn around, which I believe is her default behavior, so Sue takes her out and they try it again, successfully.
This is what I saw.
Karen, you found a lot of "tools" that can be used effectively. Sue watches the CLASP and turns! The Sit is another way of keeping Lily engaged. You were absolutely right about the car behavior so without missing a beat and....without SETTLING for less than exactly what is expected....out she goes and immediately sends her back in again. This time she gets what she expects. There isn't a wasted movement! Good observations.
ReplyDeleteWhat really struck me was just how much perfection Sue was demanding...and getting! Expect perfection, accept no less.
ReplyDeleteIn the Starbucks video Sue is really making Lily pay attention to not only where she is in relation to Sue, but also to what's around her (instead of you). Also, when Lily tried to push ahead going by the garbage (.38) Sue just did a 'squeeze play'. There is no doubt looking at these who is in charge here!
The big lesson for me in these videos is: TAKE CONTROL!
above post by Jan
ReplyDeleteAt 4:00am I also thought: Short Leash
ReplyDeleteYES! Short LOOSE leash! When you know that the dog knows the criteria, then you don't settle for less.
ReplyDeleteAnd YES, to using the environment in getting/maintaining Lily's attention (as Jan noticed at .38). Whenever Sue coaches Lily and me she has me utilizing turns and sits and more turns. IOW, she has to stay aware of me because she never knows what I am going to do next.
ReplyDeleteRemember that these are training sessions. Neither of us can maintain that level of concentration indefinitely. But, they are lessons learned. I repeat that kind of training often. I want her to know it in her soul. A "gravity" behavior. We spent about 3 minutes working that way last week by the fence containing the Day Care dogs at Mission Hospital. A strong distraction to overcome.
ReplyDeleteTo me, this is very "pro-active" training, rather than "complacent" training. Sue's pace is purposeful; her attitude is stronger; she is not easily ignored by Lily!
ReplyDeleteThe first video is a relatively small area well known to Lily. There are distractions but this is Lily's home turf. It is almost like doodling in a small space. Sue is totally focused on Lily and probably knows what Lily might do before Lily does herself. By going slowly she is giving Lily every opportunity to both pay attention ( be in control of her behavior) or lose attention.... requiring Sue to step in and help Lily back to gaining control.
ReplyDeleteThe second video is basically the same but the area covered is greatly reduced and the distractions have greatly increased. Also Lily is no longer on her home turf. Sue is still going slowly allowing Lily again the opportunity to remain in control of her behavior but helping her refocus as needed. I was impressed with how quiet, calm, and deliberate Sue's movements and actions are yet when she praises Lily those words carry meaning because they have a bit more emphasis behind them. Also the short leash , though loose, is also a help to Lily because it allows for Sue to respond before the situation gets out of control.
Total focus; knows in advance because she watches the clasp; gives Lily the opportunity to exert her own self control; helps to refocus as needed; quiet, calm and deliberate; gives lots of praise; both are totally focused.
ReplyDelete