I'm still plugging away at getting the individual videos for the Intermediate/Advanced skills test. Got another one here - leaving just one to go. I also did two things to share with the MDSA list.
Opposite "otto" video - These three repetitions took 5:30 because her rewards took so long. I did two things different. First I did this right away, while she was fresh and I rewarded heavily even when it wasn't perfect to keep her motivation up. The first time she was confused on the second "otto", but got it with extra support, so it got a full reward. The second time she decided to offer another "otto", which I could use with careful trimming. The third time was perfect.
"West" video - I'm using the wall to guide her into a good position. I shouldn't use the cue until she's warmed up. She's getting better; remember, last time she was so fidgety. The last reps I moved over so I could use the wall mirror to check her position. At least this time I could feel her body against my leg. I almost need two mirrors - there is a pair on adjoining walls in the corner, so I may try them next time.
Heel starts in "Side" video - I did this video for the MDSA list. This month's workshop was on heeling, mostly lagging issues. I decided to use her techniques to repair Gimme's "side" position, which has become weak. I've brushed her toes a time or two there, so she's not convinced it's a safe place to be. I just need to do the work to get it back and this was good motivation.
16 position tests video - This video was also for the MDSA list. Ilona has a 16-point test to demonstrate the dog's understanding of the position. The test she shared was for "heel" position, but I modified it for "side". One place I got confused and said "heel" and she went right to it. I really like this concept, since it's very methodical and I think the dogs can learn soooo much doing it. I did it in "heel" last week with Gimme with five errors and now in "side" with just three errors. Interesting she did better in "side" which I consider her less fluent position. Possibly because she is more confident in how to win the game. I don't know what happened to the 16th test. I know we did it, but somehow it didn't get recorded - somebody had an itchy record finger methinks... You can't get good help for free these days.
It was a very good training session. I think it helped a lot for me to have a plan.
Who knew?
No comments:
Post a Comment