basic 6/18

WOW great work this week!  Remember, caaaalllllmmmmm down. It seems that both Kingsley and Charlie  have a bit of unfocused energy when they get into new environments.  Make sure before you get out of your car to take a breath and get yourself in the class mindset.

Don't forget to review this walking document.
http://familyfriendlydogtraining.com/walk-with-me/

Also, this is a good video of a loose leash walking game to play with your dog (instead of click, say yes).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT8VDgR_Koo

With all the things we learned I'm sure your head is spinning. So don't worry if you don't get it all perfect.


Ok, here's what we went over

The 3 D's of dog training are Distance, Duration and Distraction. Do not try to throw all 3 at your dog just yet.  If your dog can't focus, look at your environment and ask which of those 3 has gone beyond your dogs capability and reduce it.

Loose leash walking went beautifully! Remember to stay connected with your dog through your 3 points of contact at 100% reinforcement in the beginning then slowly reduce one at a time. What is reinforcement? That's the food, verbal praise etc. So make sure in the beginning of your excercise you're giving your dog nonstop food and praise. THEN start reducing the food but keep chatting up your dog.


Walk then sit.  Make sure you slow down before asking your dog to sit. If you just screech to a halt they'll end up in front of you. Make sure you show your dog the food/lure and bring it to the inside of your armpit to lure them into a sit.

Down. For now we're using the food lure AND saying DOWN once.  remember....once. :)

Stay
The big thing to keep in mind with stay is using your release word.  "OK" or "FREE" and toss the treat away from your dog or encourage them to come towards you, anything so they have to move away from their "stay" location.
If your dog breaks position, just say "oops" or "nope" cheerfully and put them back into a sit. THEN make sure you release them sooner (That may have been too much time for them to start).


Come.

From walking, slow down, say your dogs name followed by COME and walk backwards. Mark/yes them when they pivot at first. When you've done that a few times change your marker to when they get TO you.

You can also practice Ping-Ponging your dog between you and another person. Both people with have yummy treats. You will call your dog, "Charlie, COME" and say yes as soon as he turns his head. Once he gets to you, the other person will do the same.  Ping ponging between the both of you.
IF YOU CALL YOUR DOG WITH A COME COMMAND please be sure you can make it happen.
So, let's say you call your dog and they look but don't come. Don't get mad, get GLAD! Grab yummy treats (they should already be in your hand) and walk towards your dog happily. When you get to them, show them the treat, say come and run away slightly luring them to come with you.
Don't forget to play with their collar when they get to you.

ok, keep up the good work and happy training!!
Shanthi