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It makes sense that the other games you have been doing for a while have made a difference for him when in that high state of arousal because those games have value. Typically, new games won’t hold up in highly-stimulating environments if they have not been practiced dozens upon dozens of times, slowly increasing the distractions/activity level over time. Feel free to use what work, while building value for the new games, to broaden your toolbox. Robbie will tell you what works best for him in each context.
Regarding that training session with Freya, that was not just mildly aroused. I get that he can go higher. The key is we have to help him with his performance when in that state. I want to teach him to default to turning to you when he is highly aroused. We are going to explore this more in the next couple of weeks.
Have you thought about how the conversation of reinforcement strategies could help Robbie?
A dog having zoomies when you let them out into a field is typically a dog having a good time. A dog having zoomies immediately after an event, such as a bath or releasing off the startline at an agility trial, is typically a stress response.
I couldn’t find any video of a dog displaying the FAWN behavior, but I did find this video for humans that might be helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xr6cDe9OC3U.
For Relaxation Conditioning, how many seconds are you waiting for between treats?
Yes, all of these games build value for you. It sounds like you have been rewarding on the line a lot for distance work and not rewarding enough on your person. You might have to do more of that work.
Sorry to hear about the funerals and deaths in your life.
The Snuffle Ball is fun, but it moves, so it might be more stimulating. I recommend using the Snuffle Mat.
In regards to the games, it all depends on what the dog needs in different situations. And the only way to know is to try. Does that make sense? Your agility class is a good place to test out which games best help Tanner.
Can you come to the Philadelphia area? Might be a fun road trip! https://www.y2k9s.net/workshops-seminars/
Yes absolutely! I am so glad you all are connecting! It takes a village. 🙂
I am happy to engage!
RC, meaning Relaxation Conditioning. Just using shorthand. 🙂
To incorporate hand targets into the Pattern Game, ask her to touch your hand when she returns to you, then toss a treat away. We can build from there. But I think the key for Avery is that as much as we want to provide predictability, we also need to vary the pattern games to keep it dynamic for her.
I am always a fan of splitting versus lumping. Please take video so that I can give you feedback.
Don’t think of RC as a Pattern Game. It is actually another type of relaxation exercise. It can take weeks and weeks for the dog to experience complete relaxation. I recommend doing it 3 times per week for ten min. If you have had a stressful day, like attending an agility trial, you can use RC as a way to help her come back down the baseline (HPA axis).
Thanks for posting Joanne! It helps to share our stories with her others. I know I feel like I am not alone when someone shares a similar story with me.
Hi there! The live is every Wednesday night at 8pm EST. I usually send the link about about 10-15 minutes prior to the live. I will be sending out the recording tonight.
Fantastic application of the Snuffle Mat! And the Pattern Games and Find My Face! Time to add Find My Face to short sequences. Can you take video of working this skill?
Yes, please do keep me posted. Crossing fingers!!
Who is the Vet Behaviorist it Florida that you are working with?
WHOA!!!! She thought his behavior was a result of the flea and tick medication?! I am understanding you correctly?
Well done!! Do you have videos of you guys trialing?
How is the platform training going?
This video is so much better! Mali looks relaxed!!
To me, when your friend’s high-drive dog was working, it looked like Robbie was aroused. That did not look minimal to nonexistent from my perspective.
And yes, if that’s what minimal to nonexistent looks like, what a perfect opportunity to practice the pattern game. When playing these games, you start when there are no other distractions around. Once the dog understands the game and appears eager to play it, you start adding in easy distractions in low-level arousing situations. Over time, you increase the intensity.
