For a week I have been wondering how we could possibly get 4 dog-reactive dogs into a room and learn anything. When we arrived the teacher had the room divided into four areas with knee high fences covered in sheets. We entered one at a time (from far corners of the parking lot) and got each dog settled on a mat and actively practicing laying down and staying calm while each other dog entered. They were each tethered to a separate wall of the room and were also on a leash just to make 100% sure there were no escapees and dog fights. Then we hung out for awhile and just focused on being calm. Dog look around? Click and treat. Dog lays quietly? Click and treat. Etc.
We also practiced sitting (so they could slightly see the other dogs over the fence.) Also, we started to learn an emergency escape in case you are walking down the street and another dog appears from around a corner, or a small child is suddenly in your face. There was calm time on the mat between each exercise.
The teacher gave us some tips for how to deal with two dogs in your house (basically train them both) and also how to get the leash onto Juneau when the anxiety starts as soon as she sees it.
It's going to be a long road, but I think we have a great Sherpa.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Don't Steal Food
Juneau: So if I sit politely and look you in the eyes, I get the treats in your hand? And if I jump up to get them out of your hand, you close your hand and I don't get treats? What happens if I pretend to sit but then really quickly jump up and bite your hand?
TREATS!
I have some learning to do myself. . .
TREATS!
I have some learning to do myself. . .
Training Class Begins
I don't know how it happened, but somehow I let work get in the way of my dog training blog. I know, crazy, right? Anyway . . .
On Tuesday we had the first session of the Ruff Diamond Training class at the MSPCA. I was nervous that this was going to be the e-collar all over again (lots of hype and money spent and a worse dog). I figured "it's the MSPCA, all they see are broken dogs!" Plus the class is only for dog aggression, so it will fix everything right up. And it is all clicker training and classical and operant conditioning.
This first class was just an introduction. Humans only. First of all, the teacher said all the right words and phrases. "Dogs aren't pack animals" being a key one for me. That phrase means she has read the latest in animal behavior science, which I too have read. What I look for in an expert (and always have) is, "do they know more than me?" If I can read about a topic for 2 weeks and I have more up-to-date information that you, the expert, you are not an expert!
I just felt good about the class. My group of dogs has a Newfoundland, a 75lbs bulldog, a 50 lbs mix and Juneau. So that means, no tiny dogs to cause any tiny-dog problems. They gave us a head collar which is big and strong for Juneau's big strong head. (Just last week she broke her Halti, so it was time for a change anyway.)
Our first tasks for the week are to
On Tuesday we had the first session of the Ruff Diamond Training class at the MSPCA. I was nervous that this was going to be the e-collar all over again (lots of hype and money spent and a worse dog). I figured "it's the MSPCA, all they see are broken dogs!" Plus the class is only for dog aggression, so it will fix everything right up. And it is all clicker training and classical and operant conditioning.
This first class was just an introduction. Humans only. First of all, the teacher said all the right words and phrases. "Dogs aren't pack animals" being a key one for me. That phrase means she has read the latest in animal behavior science, which I too have read. What I look for in an expert (and always have) is, "do they know more than me?" If I can read about a topic for 2 weeks and I have more up-to-date information that you, the expert, you are not an expert!
I just felt good about the class. My group of dogs has a Newfoundland, a 75lbs bulldog, a 50 lbs mix and Juneau. So that means, no tiny dogs to cause any tiny-dog problems. They gave us a head collar which is big and strong for Juneau's big strong head. (Just last week she broke her Halti, so it was time for a change anyway.)
Our first tasks for the week are to
- Prime the clicker
- I have tried clicker training with Juneau in the past so she was more than ready to get treats for clicks again
- Create a location for the dog to be when you aren't with them so no escalation can happen
- Juneau is crate trained and her crate is in the garage for the hot months, so no escalation there.
- Practice laying down on a mat
- Since Juneau already knows both a voice and hand command for down, I expect this too be easy. We start tonight!
- Train them that they get the treats from sitting and making eye contact, not by jumping up and biting at the treat bag/your hands
- Juneau already knows that if she sits and makes eye contact with me she gets a treat. Now she just needs to learn that jumping up and biting me or stuffing her face in the treat bag doesn't work . . .
- Don't go anywhere except to class for 4 weeks
- Ugh. Since we live in a condo this isn't exactly possible, but I have been trying extra hard to avoid the neighbor dogs. My typical schedule revolves around non-dog times, so it shouldn't be too hard. The hard part is no dog park, no long walks, no day care.
We have been using the clicker on our walks to remember how it works and to get better at "heel". So far I'm pretty happy. The class will make it so I can't slack off too.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Dog Park
I know it seems crazy from what you know about my dog, but she is quite well behaved in the dog park. For some reason being off of her leash and fully able to interact with the other dogs reduces the crazy to almost zero. The only thing I have to be careful of are the people with totally-unstable dogs who go to the dog park anyway. Juneau is not afraid to continue a fight if she feels threatened.
We are currently in the process of selling our condo (that could be a whole other blog). Yesterday we had an open house and needed to be gone. Since it was a beautiful day, I took the dogs to the dog park in Derry, NH. The park only had about 10-15 dogs in it, which is a good amount. Sometimes it is so crowded you can't find your dog. (Mostly I lose Lucy because she is fairly small and black like 50% of the world's mutts.)
Juneau was a perfect angel in the dog park. (Yes I am shocked.) Even walking up to the park I wasn't dragged and she wasn't barking. She ran around a little bit with a Golden and then she found a deflated basketball. She then decided she could not leave this ball for even one minute. Being a Shepard, she likes to keep her herd together, (also she is clingy) but even me walking all the way across the park wouldn't make her leave the basketball, although she did whine quite a bit. For some reason picking up the ball to come to me didn't occur to her, even when I tried to get her to stand in the shade.
Other dogs came to see her and she greeted them normally. Just when I was starting to think a deflated basketball might be the key to her training around other dogs, she decided it was a resource to be guarded. A standard poodle came over and instead of sniffing her, it sniffed the basketball. Juneau growled and snapped at the poodle. So I took the ball away from her and we went home. Obviously the basketball-dog relationship had gone too far, and I certainly didn't want our perfect hour at the dog park to be ruined by a fight with an expensive pure-bred dog. Lucy was exhausted anyway, being black and 13-years-old in the hot sun for an hour.
Next week is the orientation class of the "Diamond on the Ruff" class at the MSPCA. I'm so excited to learn what to do to make the crazies less!
We are currently in the process of selling our condo (that could be a whole other blog). Yesterday we had an open house and needed to be gone. Since it was a beautiful day, I took the dogs to the dog park in Derry, NH. The park only had about 10-15 dogs in it, which is a good amount. Sometimes it is so crowded you can't find your dog. (Mostly I lose Lucy because she is fairly small and black like 50% of the world's mutts.)
Juneau was a perfect angel in the dog park. (Yes I am shocked.) Even walking up to the park I wasn't dragged and she wasn't barking. She ran around a little bit with a Golden and then she found a deflated basketball. She then decided she could not leave this ball for even one minute. Being a Shepard, she likes to keep her herd together, (also she is clingy) but even me walking all the way across the park wouldn't make her leave the basketball, although she did whine quite a bit. For some reason picking up the ball to come to me didn't occur to her, even when I tried to get her to stand in the shade.
Other dogs came to see her and she greeted them normally. Just when I was starting to think a deflated basketball might be the key to her training around other dogs, she decided it was a resource to be guarded. A standard poodle came over and instead of sniffing her, it sniffed the basketball. Juneau growled and snapped at the poodle. So I took the ball away from her and we went home. Obviously the basketball-dog relationship had gone too far, and I certainly didn't want our perfect hour at the dog park to be ruined by a fight with an expensive pure-bred dog. Lucy was exhausted anyway, being black and 13-years-old in the hot sun for an hour.
Next week is the orientation class of the "Diamond on the Ruff" class at the MSPCA. I'm so excited to learn what to do to make the crazies less!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
5 Weeks
We got accepted to the "Diamond in the Ruff" training class at the MSPCA Nevin's Farm. I am so excited! Some hands-on professional help is just want the doctor ordered. Also if it goes well, they have a second class that we can take too. I have never felt more ready to face the challenge. The class doesn't start until May 22nd though, so that's a bummer. Then, expect all sorts of posts about how great Juneau is doing!
The new real estate agent is coming over on Saturday to get things started. Hopefully in the next few months we can have a backyard full of play and training and love and flowers! Then Juneau can spend as much time outside as she wants and so can I! I am determined not to get depressed about the housing thing (we first tried to sell in September 2010.)
The new real estate agent is coming over on Saturday to get things started. Hopefully in the next few months we can have a backyard full of play and training and love and flowers! Then Juneau can spend as much time outside as she wants and so can I! I am determined not to get depressed about the housing thing (we first tried to sell in September 2010.)
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Spring!
Ok, I know it has been awhile. I swear that while I have been neglecting this blog I have not been neglecting my dog. While she is still very reactive, everything is less. I see it as a war of very small battles. "Hey, today she only jumped up on me once before she got the hint!" "Yes, she growled at that dog, but she didn't bark or lunge!" It's the small things.
Inspired by my company's decision to give us one extra day off a year to volunteer, I went straight to the MSPCA website. They are my charity of choice simply because I found the Walk for Animals in my dog walking book 4 years ago and we have been going ever since. It turns out they don't like one day volunteers, BUT they do have a variety of dog training classes one of which is specifically for dog-on-dog issues! It is called "Ruff Diamonds". It is 8 weeks of one hour sessions with 4 dogs and 2 trainers. I like those odds. No sit, down, training but all focused on how to walk past another dog without being a big freaking mess. I feel like we are at a point in our training where some professional help could really help. So I signed up!
Inspiration is fresh and spring is here and I'm going to fix my crazy dog!
Also, I promise to post more pictures. Blogs need pictures.
Inspired by my company's decision to give us one extra day off a year to volunteer, I went straight to the MSPCA website. They are my charity of choice simply because I found the Walk for Animals in my dog walking book 4 years ago and we have been going ever since. It turns out they don't like one day volunteers, BUT they do have a variety of dog training classes one of which is specifically for dog-on-dog issues! It is called "Ruff Diamonds". It is 8 weeks of one hour sessions with 4 dogs and 2 trainers. I like those odds. No sit, down, training but all focused on how to walk past another dog without being a big freaking mess. I feel like we are at a point in our training where some professional help could really help. So I signed up!
Inspiration is fresh and spring is here and I'm going to fix my crazy dog!
Also, I promise to post more pictures. Blogs need pictures.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Two Crazy Dogs
This week we are on vacation visiting my in-laws. My sister-in-law's dog has a very similar problem to Juneau owing to the fact that he is also a protective breed and was poorly socialized. BUT they both also love to play with other dogs. Juneau doesn't usually start fights but she does try to finish them. So I thought it would be a great idea to buy two cloth muzzles and put them together in the fenced in back yard. That way there would be no teeth but they could still practice the regular dog interaction things that they are both bad at.
It worked amazingly well! Two dogs who couldn't be around any other dogs at all were allowed to get past their fears by saying hi to another dog without anything bad happening. Juneau had her muzzle on for 5 minutes before it was clear she was very calm and mostly ignored the other dog. Then my sister-in-law's dog had his taken off after about 10 minutes. They played together for the rest of the time, just hanging out. It was wonderful.
So I haven't forgotten about Juneau, and things are ongoing. I figured no one wanted to read a "Juneau continues to learn to heel" post. As things get warmer (and lighter after work) I hope to have more outside time with her.
We are also in the process of trying to buy a house with a yard. THEN there will be many dog interactions of a positive nature.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Re-inspired
I've been sick for the last week and I've had lots of time to THINK about training my dog, but no time (re: strength) to actually DO it. Today, I feel all better and I decided I would look at Dr. Yin's website (drsophiayin.com) to find a certified pet-dog trainer in my area who can help me with the dog aggression. While I was there, I found a video about training for dog aggression. Go to "Resources" then "Dog Behavior Issues", under "Aggression: Inter-dog aggression" watch the video "Podee is Dog Aggressive".
Now I feel re-inspired. I'm going to start training for this when I get home. She even explains what to do in an emergency! (Some trainers assume you can control every situation your dog is ever in.) I own a Haltee for Juneau, but I tend not to use it. Now I see that it can really help when she is going crazy. Now that I have a direction to go in for training, I don't have to be afraid when I see another dog.
I'm going to watch the video again!
Now I feel re-inspired. I'm going to start training for this when I get home. She even explains what to do in an emergency! (Some trainers assume you can control every situation your dog is ever in.) I own a Haltee for Juneau, but I tend not to use it. Now I see that it can really help when she is going crazy. Now that I have a direction to go in for training, I don't have to be afraid when I see another dog.
I'm going to watch the video again!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Professional Wanted
Yesterday afternoon I went for a walk with Juneau and my parents at a local farm/park with trails around the fields. It is a lovely place.
I have been avoiding walks where there are other people because Juneau is really stupid around other dogs (as you know.) The first dog we saw she tried to attack. She was on a leash, but there was a lot of lunging and snarling. Then we saw a boxer on the path whose leash was being held by a 4 year old girl. (Seriously people?!) That made me turn around and find another path. We next saw some dogs from a distance and Juneau was ok with that so I gave her treats for watching me.
Then we ended the walk with more lunging and snarling at an ancient greyhound who wasn't even looking at her. That's when my dad said "wow, your dog needs to be trained." Obviously, I know he's right, because I'm trying to train her, but maybe the dog-aggression thing is out of my reach. Maybe I need a professional to show me what to do when I DO see a dog. Then I think, "that's how I ended up spending $1,200 on the zap-collar trainer."
I'm going to do some research and see if I can find a positive-only trainer in my area. I need some supervision and suggestions in specifically that area. Not obedience, not coming when called, I've got that in the works. Just fear-based dog-aggression. Any suggestions?
I have been avoiding walks where there are other people because Juneau is really stupid around other dogs (as you know.) The first dog we saw she tried to attack. She was on a leash, but there was a lot of lunging and snarling. Then we saw a boxer on the path whose leash was being held by a 4 year old girl. (Seriously people?!) That made me turn around and find another path. We next saw some dogs from a distance and Juneau was ok with that so I gave her treats for watching me.
Then we ended the walk with more lunging and snarling at an ancient greyhound who wasn't even looking at her. That's when my dad said "wow, your dog needs to be trained." Obviously, I know he's right, because I'm trying to train her, but maybe the dog-aggression thing is out of my reach. Maybe I need a professional to show me what to do when I DO see a dog. Then I think, "that's how I ended up spending $1,200 on the zap-collar trainer."
I'm going to do some research and see if I can find a positive-only trainer in my area. I need some supervision and suggestions in specifically that area. Not obedience, not coming when called, I've got that in the works. Just fear-based dog-aggression. Any suggestions?
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Confessions and Help
Ok, I have a confession to make. I had a horrible Juneau day last week that made me cry and I didn't tell you about it. To be honest I thought things were going so well and I didn't want to admit it was so bad. But then I thought, "What if someone is reading my blog and they think they failed because they had a really bad dog day too!" So I decided to post.
Two Thursdays ago, I came home from work early. I was sick with a nasty chest cold and I just needed to go to bed. I let Juneau out of her kennel and she jumped on me. I did what Dr. Yin says and became a tree. Only she didn't stop. She jumped four times and on the fourth time she bit me so hard on the back of the arm I cried out. (I really try to not cry out, so that she doesn't think I make fun noises when she bites me. I learned that one talking care of parrots at the Seneca Park Zoo.) Then I just started sobbing. :-/
I took her out back to go to the bathroom before I went to bed and she wouldn't sit by the door. I was good and waited until she stopped being stupid, but I really felt like crap. She jumped up on me again.
Finally, I got to sleep, and she cuddled with me in the bed until I forgot about it. And the next day was better again.
Now the happy story: Today our other dog Lucy had to go to the vet for a long appointment. She has Cushing's disease and needs periodic re-checks that take 2 hours to run. So Juneau, my husband and I went for a training walk. I had Juneau on the hands-free leash and he was watching us. After about 10 minutes he pointed out that when I stop and wait for Juneau to sit, I should pay attention to her front feet. She had been sitting with one foot in the air so she could jump up at a moments notice. But, she SHOULD be looking at my face calmly awaiting my next move. I hadn't noticed her feet because I was always waiting for her to look at my face. Another pair of eyes always helps!
Two Thursdays ago, I came home from work early. I was sick with a nasty chest cold and I just needed to go to bed. I let Juneau out of her kennel and she jumped on me. I did what Dr. Yin says and became a tree. Only she didn't stop. She jumped four times and on the fourth time she bit me so hard on the back of the arm I cried out. (I really try to not cry out, so that she doesn't think I make fun noises when she bites me. I learned that one talking care of parrots at the Seneca Park Zoo.) Then I just started sobbing. :-/
I took her out back to go to the bathroom before I went to bed and she wouldn't sit by the door. I was good and waited until she stopped being stupid, but I really felt like crap. She jumped up on me again.
Finally, I got to sleep, and she cuddled with me in the bed until I forgot about it. And the next day was better again.
Now the happy story: Today our other dog Lucy had to go to the vet for a long appointment. She has Cushing's disease and needs periodic re-checks that take 2 hours to run. So Juneau, my husband and I went for a training walk. I had Juneau on the hands-free leash and he was watching us. After about 10 minutes he pointed out that when I stop and wait for Juneau to sit, I should pay attention to her front feet. She had been sitting with one foot in the air so she could jump up at a moments notice. But, she SHOULD be looking at my face calmly awaiting my next move. I hadn't noticed her feet because I was always waiting for her to look at my face. Another pair of eyes always helps!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Giant Snow Blob
So today's post isn't really about training, more just a glimpse into what life is like with my crazy dog.
On this morning's warm winter walk we came across a big ball of snow in the grass. It looked like some kids had started to make a snowman and then gave up after one ball. It was about 2 feet across. We were maybe 10 feet away from the ball when Juneau started acting very strangely. Then when Lucy stopped to pee in front of the ball, I realized it was actually the snowball Juneau was reacting too.
I petted her and tried to get her to walk closer to it, but she was terrified. At first she tried to protect me from it and was growling and barking under her breath. (It think the barking with the mouth closed is a mastiff thing.) Then she decided we were too close, "screw mommy!" and she hid behind me instead.
Normally I would make her go up and see the object isn't scary. That's how I have dealt with fear of traffic cones, trash cans, an abandoned water heater with balloons tied to it, etc. Let her sniff it and see that is doesn't move and maybe put a treat on it. But for some reason the snowball was worse than those things. Unfortunately it will probably be gone by the time I get home (or at least much smaller) so I may not get my training exercise out of it.
I guess I'll be building big snowballs next time it snows . . .
On this morning's warm winter walk we came across a big ball of snow in the grass. It looked like some kids had started to make a snowman and then gave up after one ball. It was about 2 feet across. We were maybe 10 feet away from the ball when Juneau started acting very strangely. Then when Lucy stopped to pee in front of the ball, I realized it was actually the snowball Juneau was reacting too.
I petted her and tried to get her to walk closer to it, but she was terrified. At first she tried to protect me from it and was growling and barking under her breath. (It think the barking with the mouth closed is a mastiff thing.) Then she decided we were too close, "screw mommy!" and she hid behind me instead.
Normally I would make her go up and see the object isn't scary. That's how I have dealt with fear of traffic cones, trash cans, an abandoned water heater with balloons tied to it, etc. Let her sniff it and see that is doesn't move and maybe put a treat on it. But for some reason the snowball was worse than those things. Unfortunately it will probably be gone by the time I get home (or at least much smaller) so I may not get my training exercise out of it.
I guess I'll be building big snowballs next time it snows . . .
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Small Attention Achievement
This morning we went for a short walk (because it is 18 degrees!) and my main goal was just to get her to remember to heel, despite snow and kids playing and people shoveling.
We started out with nothing. Distractions overwhelmed her and she couldn't stay next to me at all. But then after I stopped 5 times in 5 steps, she remembered that she has to walk next to me to move forward (and also I have those tasty bacon treats in my coat pocket.) Then we started to walk and she got better and better. She remembered that she was suppose to look at me periodically, and then I only treated her for walking next to me AND looking at my face. Then she kept trying to get me to treat her, and she paid much better attention. SCIENCE!
At the end of the walk, we practiced "look" about 15 feet away from the neighbor's kids playing in the snow. (She is scared of kids and barks at them.) She sat and took the treats and I could get about 5 in before she looked back at the kids. So then I would say "look" again, and get another 5 treats in there. So step one of the distractions worked! I can get her to look at me when a low level fear is about 15 feet away.
Feeling pretty good about my minor hurdle today, since learning has been a little slow lately.
Also, one funny thing happened: Juneau started limping with one back foot on our walk. When I picked it up to look, she had slush crammed in between her toes! My first thought "this is like when horses get snow in their shoes!" She just does't have that toe fur like other more winterized dogs. Maybe she needs booties!
We started out with nothing. Distractions overwhelmed her and she couldn't stay next to me at all. But then after I stopped 5 times in 5 steps, she remembered that she has to walk next to me to move forward (and also I have those tasty bacon treats in my coat pocket.) Then we started to walk and she got better and better. She remembered that she was suppose to look at me periodically, and then I only treated her for walking next to me AND looking at my face. Then she kept trying to get me to treat her, and she paid much better attention. SCIENCE!
At the end of the walk, we practiced "look" about 15 feet away from the neighbor's kids playing in the snow. (She is scared of kids and barks at them.) She sat and took the treats and I could get about 5 in before she looked back at the kids. So then I would say "look" again, and get another 5 treats in there. So step one of the distractions worked! I can get her to look at me when a low level fear is about 15 feet away.
Feeling pretty good about my minor hurdle today, since learning has been a little slow lately.
Also, one funny thing happened: Juneau started limping with one back foot on our walk. When I picked it up to look, she had slush crammed in between her toes! My first thought "this is like when horses get snow in their shoes!" She just does't have that toe fur like other more winterized dogs. Maybe she needs booties!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Snow!
I was reminded twice today that I haven't posted in a week. Between an amazingly stressful week at work, and it being so very cold outside, I haven't had time to do focused training or post! I'm still here and we are still motivated!
Let me start by saying that just because I haven't had any "training sessions" doesn't mean she isn't being trained. I focus on my behavior, and by extension her behavior, every single day. The little moments in my day where I used to think "my dog is hopeless" have disappeared. By working on "saying please" Juneau knows she has something to try when she doesn't know what to do. So instead of jumping up on me, she can try sitting to get the thing in my hand or get let outside, or whatever she wants.
Overall, the jumping has decreased dramatically since I started this program of thought. And when she does jump on me, it is because I am holding her ball and we are about to go play catch and she hasn't had any exercise yet that day. (Really intense for a 2 year-old dog to be good when they haven't had any release.) I hope in the early spring that we can buy a house with a back yard, so more exercise can happen on a day-to-day basis without always involving me and a leash.
One funny thing happened this morning regarding memory: It snowed last night. When Juneau was a baby and we were housebreaking her, I wanted going to the bathroom outside to be the greatest thing ever. So when she did her business outside, she got a cookie and we would kick snow for her. She loves to jump up and catch it in the air. So this morning she pees and then sits really quickly and looks at my face, then my feet, then my face; back at forth. She was reminding me to kick snow, which no one had done for her since March! (I did of course and she was ecstatic!)
I have also decided that enough time has passed that I need to read the two training books again. I need a refresher to make sure we are still headed down the path we started on. While I'm sad that improvements aren't coming in leaps and bounds anymore, I am so excited that we got past the "I can't take this" hurdle. My goal is to begin the dog-related training in the spring, since it is pretty simple to avoid strange dogs all winter long. By then I expect us to be quite good at "watch me" with minor distractions.
Let me start by saying that just because I haven't had any "training sessions" doesn't mean she isn't being trained. I focus on my behavior, and by extension her behavior, every single day. The little moments in my day where I used to think "my dog is hopeless" have disappeared. By working on "saying please" Juneau knows she has something to try when she doesn't know what to do. So instead of jumping up on me, she can try sitting to get the thing in my hand or get let outside, or whatever she wants.
Overall, the jumping has decreased dramatically since I started this program of thought. And when she does jump on me, it is because I am holding her ball and we are about to go play catch and she hasn't had any exercise yet that day. (Really intense for a 2 year-old dog to be good when they haven't had any release.) I hope in the early spring that we can buy a house with a back yard, so more exercise can happen on a day-to-day basis without always involving me and a leash.
One funny thing happened this morning regarding memory: It snowed last night. When Juneau was a baby and we were housebreaking her, I wanted going to the bathroom outside to be the greatest thing ever. So when she did her business outside, she got a cookie and we would kick snow for her. She loves to jump up and catch it in the air. So this morning she pees and then sits really quickly and looks at my face, then my feet, then my face; back at forth. She was reminding me to kick snow, which no one had done for her since March! (I did of course and she was ecstatic!)
I have also decided that enough time has passed that I need to read the two training books again. I need a refresher to make sure we are still headed down the path we started on. While I'm sad that improvements aren't coming in leaps and bounds anymore, I am so excited that we got past the "I can't take this" hurdle. My goal is to begin the dog-related training in the spring, since it is pretty simple to avoid strange dogs all winter long. By then I expect us to be quite good at "watch me" with minor distractions.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
On Treat Delivery
I wanted to answer Sue's question here so that other people might be helped too. The answer is yes, I had that same problem.
The key is not to LURE her with the treat, otherwise she won't do it when she can't see "the goods" and decide it it is worth it. Always have a couple of treats on hand and always have them hidden from view. In the pocket, behind your back. I use the marker word "yes" when Juneau does something right in order to buy myself the two seconds to get the treat out of my pocket.
Step one, wait for her to look at your face. Your just hanging out and she's going to look at your face eventually even by accident. If nothing happens after a long time and you get bored, make a little kissy noise with your lips. Don't do that more than 5 times or so, or it becomes a lure too. Just looking near your face even. Then the second she looks at your face, that very second, say "yes" or click if you have a clicker. Then give her the treat.
The first few times it feels very awkward and you are sure she isn't learning, but if your timing is right with the marker word she will learn "that right there is why you got the treat". Then you shape it. She doesn't get the treat unless she looks you square in the eyes. Then you can start to say "watch" and she'll learn what the word means (like 5 sessions later). Start in a 100% distraction free place, indoors, no other dog, no tv. Start SUPER small so she wins the treat, and use lots of treats. Then move up to the real world, watch me while I'm on the couch, watch me on our front steps. Make sure it is just a tiny step more difficult each time, and also keep doing the easy times.
Basically that's how I even got to be at the very beginning with Juneau where I am now. Good luck!
The key is not to LURE her with the treat, otherwise she won't do it when she can't see "the goods" and decide it it is worth it. Always have a couple of treats on hand and always have them hidden from view. In the pocket, behind your back. I use the marker word "yes" when Juneau does something right in order to buy myself the two seconds to get the treat out of my pocket.
Step one, wait for her to look at your face. Your just hanging out and she's going to look at your face eventually even by accident. If nothing happens after a long time and you get bored, make a little kissy noise with your lips. Don't do that more than 5 times or so, or it becomes a lure too. Just looking near your face even. Then the second she looks at your face, that very second, say "yes" or click if you have a clicker. Then give her the treat.
The first few times it feels very awkward and you are sure she isn't learning, but if your timing is right with the marker word she will learn "that right there is why you got the treat". Then you shape it. She doesn't get the treat unless she looks you square in the eyes. Then you can start to say "watch" and she'll learn what the word means (like 5 sessions later). Start in a 100% distraction free place, indoors, no other dog, no tv. Start SUPER small so she wins the treat, and use lots of treats. Then move up to the real world, watch me while I'm on the couch, watch me on our front steps. Make sure it is just a tiny step more difficult each time, and also keep doing the easy times.
Basically that's how I even got to be at the very beginning with Juneau where I am now. Good luck!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Not til a Hot January
Today's walk was amazing! I could not have asked for a better end to a very stressful day at work. I love my dog!
When I got home it was 45 degrees outside. Lucy didn't need any exercise so I set out for a long, focused, training walk with Juneau. She was great. She even started looking at me when we walked like those perfect Labradors. The key was low distractions (squirrels go to sleep after dark and the neighbors don't walk their dogs) and new bacon-flavored training treats. The high value treats vs dog food made all the difference.
When I stopped, she stopped and sat dead next to me and looked at my face. If I stopped because she was ahead of me, she backed up and sat right next to me and looked at my face. So many treats were had! You could really see her trying to figure out how to get more treats out of me! "If I walk with her and look at her face, she gives me treats! She stopped. Hmmm. If I sit down I sometimes get treats. No . . . hmmmm. What if I look at her too. Treat!" It was amazing.
We also tried "Watch" outside for the first time. Basically I say "Juneau Watch" and she has to sit and look at my face while I stuff treats in her mouth. The first time I could only get one in before she looked away, but by the end of the walk, I pumped 5 treats into her when I said it. This will lead to me being able to get her to pay attention to me instead of other dogs but right now it is just instead of nature. (All distractions are hard for this girl!)
When I got home it was 45 degrees outside. Lucy didn't need any exercise so I set out for a long, focused, training walk with Juneau. She was great. She even started looking at me when we walked like those perfect Labradors. The key was low distractions (squirrels go to sleep after dark and the neighbors don't walk their dogs) and new bacon-flavored training treats. The high value treats vs dog food made all the difference.
When I stopped, she stopped and sat dead next to me and looked at my face. If I stopped because she was ahead of me, she backed up and sat right next to me and looked at my face. So many treats were had! You could really see her trying to figure out how to get more treats out of me! "If I walk with her and look at her face, she gives me treats! She stopped. Hmmm. If I sit down I sometimes get treats. No . . . hmmmm. What if I look at her too. Treat!" It was amazing.
We also tried "Watch" outside for the first time. Basically I say "Juneau Watch" and she has to sit and look at my face while I stuff treats in her mouth. The first time I could only get one in before she looked away, but by the end of the walk, I pumped 5 treats into her when I said it. This will lead to me being able to get her to pay attention to me instead of other dogs but right now it is just instead of nature. (All distractions are hard for this girl!)
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Freezing Tuesday
Ok, I'm not going to lie to you, I did nothing with Juneau yesterday. It was only 10 degrees by the time I got home and it was so windy! I cooked dinner and I worked from home for a bit and then we watched tv. Not going to improve the dog, but at least I didn't make her worse.
I'm not going to feel bad because stuff happens and the weather is bad. Long term goals! Plus I'll probably have to work from home again tonight.
I'm not going to feel bad because stuff happens and the weather is bad. Long term goals! Plus I'll probably have to work from home again tonight.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Things I Learned This Weekend
So after 3 days in the kennel this weekend Juneau forgot pretty much everything. I was jumped on a lot on Monday night and our walk this morning was awkward, slow and she pulled a lot. This evening, in the freezing cold, we are going to start again at zero. Hopefully we will get above zero faster than we did the first time. At least I know the walk won't be very long in 20 degree weather (if it even stays that "warm" once the sun sets.)
Work is going to be very stressful this week, so I'm going to have to fight hard to get Juneau-time worked in. I'm hoping we can at least do a few indoor exercises after work and then do some drills when it warms up this weekend.
Happy New Year!
Work is going to be very stressful this week, so I'm going to have to fight hard to get Juneau-time worked in. I'm hoping we can at least do a few indoor exercises after work and then do some drills when it warms up this weekend.
Happy New Year!
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