Ocean Beach Dog Beach

November 18, 2010
1:00-2:00
Jan/Nad – Cathy/Rooster

Criteria:

• Nad and Rooster were to remain calm and quiet while dogs went back and forth to the beach.
• Nad and Rooster would remain in the car with the back door open
• No cues, clicker or treats
• Good behavior was expected not clicked or treated

There were  dogs of all breeds and sizes, on and off leash, some quiet some barking.  Some dogs stayed by their owners, some strayed coming over by the cars.  A steady stream of cars drove in and out of the parking lot.  Adding to the anticipated distractions, were  birds (pigeons), bicycles, skateboarders, people with children.  There were several people that appeared homeless wandering up and down the sidewalk in front of the sand.  Being a weekday, it was not as crowded as weekends and there were periods of  time that no dogs walked by for a bit.

We started in the parking lot in 2nd row with the backs of the car open and the dogs facing the beach.  After about 15 minutes, Jan moved back to 3rd row to make it easier for Nad.  Cathy and Rooster remained in the second row.

Jan and Nad:


This was Nad and Jan's first time ad OB Dog Beach.  Nad is used to going to the beach but not here and not having to remain in the car and just chill.  


We just sat in the back of the car watching the world go by and watched dogs go by from a distance and close up.  There were about 35 dogs that passed.  About 4 or 5 passed right in front of us.

There were pigeons (must have followed us from OH) walking and flying right by the car.  One even walked right up to the car.  Nad watched intensely, and yet never broke his position.

Nad stayed in the back of the car the whole time.



Cathy and Rooster:


This was Rooster's third time at Dog Beach,  the first time on a weekday.  On the weekends there is significantly more traffic, dogs,  noise, and stronger smells.  Also, it was not a very warm day.  


My criteria for Rooster remained the same as in the past.   As with Jan and Nad, I remained in the back of the car with Rooster and just chilled (literally).  Rooster was relaxed and calm, observing as dogs/people etc. passed by.  After Jan and Nad moved back another row we remained as we were for a bit longer and then I changed the criteria.


New Criteria for Rooster:

• No clicker, treats
• good behavior expected
• no barking/lunging
• Rooster would remain on a loose leash either standing, sitting or on a down out of the  car (at the back) while I sat in the back chilling.

The last 15 minutes at the beach, Rooster remained calm and quiet on a down (self determined) as again dogs, birds, and people passed by.

Observations:

• There was no barking or lunging 
• Dogs arrived and left in cars parked directly to our sides and R remained in control.
• Rooster remained  calm and quiet both in and out of the car, choosing to be on a down and either watching or chewing his bone.
• He did exit the car once but not in reaction to anything specific and he showed no reactiveness.
• He was equally relaxed both inside and outside the car.  
• Except when we walked back to speak with Jan,  Rooster did not leave the area next to the car.
• Though the first row is right next to the beach,  the dog action and distractions are better in the second row so I don't think I will park closer but might in the future work levels w/R closer to the sand.  Eventually I would like to be able to work directly on the beach.  (a dream for the future, like "......just taking my dog for a walk")

Possible Next Steps:

• (on another weekday) RP in the back of the car/ outside the car using Sit, Down, or Stand.