Feisty Class ~ Week 3

[Krislady]

Well, this was a fun class.

Since the whole point of the class is to get Jar comfortable with contact with other dogs, now we're starting to get closer.

The first exercise we did involved having one of the trainers walk by bouncing a ball - providing a distraction, basically. The MINUTE Jar looks at the ball-bouncing guy and DOES NOT react, he gets a click + treat. We did that for a little while, until all four dogs (who still can't see each other) were on board with it.

THEN they brought out the fake dogs.

They started with a little robotic dog (and moved up to a slightly larger one), and the trainer walked past Jar with little Data on a leash.

Now, when we actually SEE a real dog, we're going to have 4 options:

1. Classic operant conditioning - we see another dog, and treats fall from the sky as long as the dog is there. Once Strange Dog leaves, the treats stop. The idea being that Strange Dogs = Happy Times!

2. We see a Strange Dog, and Jar looks at the other dog, and the Very Second he doesn't react, he gets click + treat. Ideally, he learns that acknowledging the other dog and keeping his cool = Good Things.

3. Once we're feeling more confident, Jar will see Strange Dog, look at Strange Dog, then look to me for his treat. When THAT actually works - when he decides, on his own, to not react but to look to me, then he gets a party! (Yay Jar, good boy, click + 800 treats!!) In the event that he doesn't immediately look at me (I would count to 5-ish), or if he starts to get uptight, then I use my emergency word from last week (yep, we've been working on it!) to get his attention, THEN he looks at me THEN click + treat. We don't want to condition him to stare at Strange Dog - he wouldn't like it much if Strange Dog did that to him!

4. Of course our last option is always the Emergency U-turn from last week, also practicing - we just get the heck out of there and try again another time.

It was kind of neat - when she brought Fake Dog by, I could see the exact moment the light bulb went on over Jar's head and he realized that he was supposed to look at the Fake Strange Dog, and not at my hand with the treats in it! Of course, he made a point of SNIFFING THE AIR when he was looking - it didn't SMELL like a dog!

In a way, though, the last half of the class was like taking a toddler out past his bedtime - you know how they get tired and whiny? Yeah, Jar kept doing this annoying "bark bark pay attention to me" thing which, of course, got one of the OTHER dogs PO'ed.

He was very tired, though - after the class, he actually tripped and stumbled getting into the car. He's okay, but he really only does that when he's wiped out. We had a short walk this morning, and he wasn't even really happy about that. Though he did manage to chase the tennis ball a few times before we went in.

Next week, they say they're bringing in REAL dogs. Yikes!

[K9 Owned]

Sounds as though it would be a really interesting class to be in. All except for the tired dog though. They get brain drain quickly and it might even be better to skip out a few minutes early. We don't want The Jar injuring himself.

I have been really lax with training. First ZWT cut in to the time - we still did some but only things I knew he had already nailed. Then the vacation and this past week unpacking and laundry etc. I have to give Don credit though. He persists in doing things his way but he is making strides on the recall. I have been reading your posts on the last two classes and have been practicing the U turn. He likes that game Reading your posts motivates me to get off my backside and work the dogs. I appreciate it.

Next weeks class should be really, really interesting. Looking forward to that post!

[Krislady]

I think classes are as exhausting for him as a good long walk! I suppose it makes sense, though - I'm mighty tired when I get home from work some days - and it seems like the days I spend sitting at my desk are the most tiring!

K9, this is one of the reason I'm posting these recaps every week - because, assuming this process works (which it shows every indication that it will), it will help other people with other problem dogs.

That, and it's helping to keep me honest.

[Saralaya]

The class sounds very well thought out and executed and you guys have been doing a GREAT DEAL of work and GOOD for both of you!! Jar and you will be a lot happier when all is said and done.... K9- you will get back into it, I know you will!