Our Control class is off to a great start! I have decided to experiment with posting a review of each weeks lesson along with helpful tips here on the blog rather than emailing everyone. (Class: Sorry for the last minute change in plans.)
In our first week we covered helping our dogs to relax. Remember to aim for a meditative type relaxation in this situation. Breathing deeply, long strokes rather than rubbing/patting, and maintaining a relaxed body position. It's important to have your dog in the right frame of mind before training/work/competitions and this is one of the three ways we discussed on how to achieve that. It's all about connecting with your dog and in this step you are doing so in a manner that relaxes rather than excites. (Does anyone remember the other two?)
We also began the first of many exercises to help teach the dogs impulse control. Step 1 is the Zen exercise. Important parts of Zen are letting the dog make the choice (No reminders/cues/commands), and making sure to reward only when the dogs muzzle moves away from the food. If the dog reaches for the food when you attempt to reward, do not give it. The dog must not reach for the food! I'm anxious to see who has progressed to level two this week! (My dog and I have NOT!)
This class covers alot of information in a very short amount of time. On week two I'd like you to come to class and practice relaxing your dog outside of the ring before the start of class. Do not enter the ring until your dog is in the right (relaxed) frame of mind! I don't care if it takes you 10 seconds or 10 minutes! :-) Feel free to arrive to class a few minutes early. The building will be open. Don't forget to bring a mat, blanket, towel, or dog bed. It doesn't need to be elaborate! A square of carpet will work quite well. This week we will cover four basic concepts and exercises: Behavior Shaping with a marker, A Spot Command, and the next step towards Impulse Control!
See you Thursday!
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Hey, Wendy. Amy Smith here. I've never left a comment on a blog before, so I'm not sure what I'm doing. :) I sure hope you are feeling better. It was a great 1st class. Thanks for posting some reminders here. You did cover a lot of material and I think I'll bring a little notebook next week because my memory sure isn't what it used to be. :)
ReplyDeleteWe're doing great with the zen exercise. But have a question about the relaxing massage. My dogs get less calm when I get down on the ground with them to try this. They think we are going to play and they get right up and dance around. They stay more relaxed if I stand over them and mark/treat their relaxed behavior. I'm not sure what to do.Thanks for helping us out!
Hi Amy! Try sitting in a chair so that your dog can be in a relaxed position but you aren't completely down on his/her level.
ReplyDeleteSee you in class Thursday!