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I think what would help her is the modulating emotions assignment. Also, advancing this ability by doing the following:
– Get her super aroused- like doing a speed circle that involves 2-3 tunnels.
– Practice Relaxation Conditioning or doing the Snuffle Mat for about 5 minutes.
– Then do the speed circle game again.
– Rinse and repeat about 3 times in a row.After doing this a few times in 1-2 weeks, we can add another layer. Do the crazy speed circle to build arousal, then do 6 poles, and reinforce. Then do another crazy speed circle, then do 6 poles, and reinforce. If 6 poles are too hard, then drop it down to 4 poles. Then some sniffing in the Snuffle Mat or Relaxation Conditioning per the exercise, then rinse repeat.
Make sense?
Well done Helen!!! The only thing I would change is placing the treat on the mat instead of tossing it. That will be less stimulating for Nuptse.
Oh, Monica, I feel for you. I understand. Somewhere along the way, something was conditioned into Merc’s experiences with you.
We can actually bring your husband into the training program by using him as a reinforcer. I can help you, but it comes down to do you.
We were DM’ing the other night. Have you thought about how you would like to move forward? I can help you, but it will go beyond this course. You just have to choose what you would like to do. And I do believe he needs meds so working with a Veterinary Behaviorist will be the next step.
So I think the assignments and the handout I posted today will help with your progression, especially the Take the Show on the Road assignment. It’s about practicing these games over and over in different environments, specifically in agility environments. I know this is harder for you because you live in a rural area. This means that it will take longer for you to work through these games. The more you can get out into the world, the more progress you will make.
Love that you brought him to a trial to work the games!
The very cool thing about resilience conditioning is that you will not reduce his drive. Learning how to be thoughtful when aroused, learning how to modulate emotions, and bringing the body back down to baseline after a stressful event (after the body prepared itself for fighting, fleeing, freezing, etc.) will not reduce his drive, ever. In fact, it can increase confidence, focus, and engagement, which in turn looks like drive. 🙂
Yes! I went over it in the Training Night Chat from two weeks ago. I shared a case study for Gilda. Did you see the Zoom recording?
When practicing Relaxation Conditioning, place the treat down on the bed in the same spot each time you practice within that session. By tossing the treats, you are making it more stimulating for Robbie. Plus the treat is not landing in the same spot, making it unpredictable. These mechanics won’t allow Robbie to relax when you are thinking about his nervous system.
I am so glad you are getting so much out of the Training Night Chats! Sometimes, it helps to have a conversation about the concepts and the games.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from a stressor. I think of it more as an *ability* than a skill. A skill would be something that the dog is doing…an action, like wrapping a wing.
Dogs are so clever- they can learn and perform behaviors based on context. But, if you believe Veloz is demonstrating impulse control around food on a plate, just tell him to get it when you move to the next bowl.
Regarding introducing toys into Pattern Games, did you watch the video demonstration Tracy gave in the assignment?
When you ask, how do you know when to progress, what are you referring to exactly? Which exercises specifically?
Video 1-
Good work with the Modulating Emotions exercise!Shadow Handling video-
Give Veloz treats every 2-3 steps. We are focusing on his internal state.Good work overall!
So when you say manage Find My Face when your instructor is speaking with you, do you mean that you are concerned Avery might not be clear about what she should do? If so, you have options. For Marvel, I asked him to jump into my arms and held him, periodically giving a treat; for Phuncky and Topper, I let them run around with a toy or asked them to down-stay.
In general, I think you made good choices in the video.
Thank you for giving me the follow-up on her physical health! Happy to hear she is well!
I LOVE that you are using this game to help with the shadows. A GREAT idea!
So with this game, when she looks at you, move to the next bowl and place a treat in the bowl. Spreading out the bowls a bit more might help. Put about 6 ft in between each bowl.
Also, you can start with one bowl. Place a treat in the bowl, she will eat the treat. When she looks at you, place another treat in the bowl. Rinse and repeat. Here is a video demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlOIEpXpwOg
Keep practicing this game in your backyard.
Also, I owe you an email about the Vet 4 Vet service. It’s a new service so I am learning the details. I will email you by next week latest.
Instead of giving her a NRM, just let her finish the poles, keep turning your body like you are doing a pinwheel, then send her back into the poles. When she is correct, reinforce. If she is incorrect two times in a row, then break down the behavior so that she has the ability to be correct.
Overall, good work! Looking forward to viewing the montage.
Ok, you know your dog best. 🙂
Superbowls looks good!!
I don’t think you need the Superbowls Game in sequencing. Feel free to use them as a way to help her mentally focus and settle.
You will see how dogs are struggling more and more now that you know. 🙁
I am not clear on your question about Relaxation Conditioning. Can you clarify?
Hooray for Shadow Handling!
Agility is a mental game for us too! Tracy has a mental prep course or webinar. Feel free to reach out to her for more information. 🙂
Sorry, you cannot make it to Philly! Of course, it makes sense that you need to stay near your family.
At nearly 1 min in the video, did you see that Merc was a bit slower going through the poles? At the moment I was about to pause the video and ask you to move back to the bowls, you did! I love it! Really great timing!! At about a minute, Merc started to slow a tad- then you asked for two more trials before moving back to the poles. This is how we build resilience. 🙂
I would like for you to start placing bowls around short sequences so that they are on Merc’s line. When he goes to the bowl, place a treat there. Then continue the sequence. Make sense?
