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You’re so very welcome!
I think it’s a good plan to assume that Avery skips a jump because of your handling. Lol! That’s what I consistently saw in your most recent video. This is good news!! Because it’s sooooo workable. 🙂 Running a little dog is a whole other experience when it comes to maintaining connection. I have gotten really good and this and as a result, my dogs don’t skip obstacles anymore.
That being said, keep practicing the various exercises you learned in this course. They can only help.
Use the Snuffle Mat at the beginning and the middle of a trial day. I find those times help ease the dog.
I’m so glad you are have found this course to be interesting! I love teaching people about behavior.
Hand Targeting is just Hand Targeting. The idea is to use it as a way to get focus as well as test where your dog is mentally in other environments.
Yes, Chill Out is just the Relaxation games. 🙂
Definitely drop the “ready, ready.” Clearly those words are emotionally charged for him and don’t put him in the right mindset.
It is difficult to say exactly how to help you because we haven’t been working together throughout the course. For now, keep practicing all of the games you have learned in this course. They will indirectly impact his agility performance. Have you been reading my posts?
I do offer online behavior coaching so if you’d like to continue working together privately, that is an option.
That sounds like a stressful morning! Glad you were able to work it out.
Avery looks really relaxed in her Kurunda bed! That’s great!
Shadow Handling looks good! Love her focus, even with all that is going on around you!
Regarding the video of the course you ran:
At 1:53, your face is facing mostly forward instead of back at Avery. Perhaps Avery can see the side of your face but she needs to see your eyes. Also, your arm is up as you point to the jump. That arm position closes off your chest so you’re now no longer showing her the line. This is especially the case because Avery is a small dog. Raising your arm cuts the connection off with your dog, plus it’s harder to turn your face to your dog. I used to have the same problem with my terriers. I had to practice sending with my arm low and turning my face in the direction of my dogs so that they could see my eyes. Marvel jumps 8″ and Topper jumps 10″.At 2:18, you keep turning your head back and forth because you were trying to see where you were going. It’s like being on a cell phone with someone you are trying to have a conversation with, but they keep cutting out so you’re catching every other word. That’s what the dog is experiencing.
I recommend working with your instructor to coach you on where you look, your arm position, and running while watching your dog’s line. The coaching I received from my instructors on those handling techniques made all the difference for my terriers.
Do you experience trial nerves?
Snuffle Mat looks good! She looks relaxed while snuffling. 🙂
I look forward to one day buying an RV too! Lol!
All good, just email me directly at Bobbie@DogCentricTraining.com. I’d like to see how she does with the Pattern Games at the trial. I also offer online behavior coaching so we can continue if you’d like.
I have worked a lot of Vegan clients over the years so I get it. That being said, if you can be comfortable with using certified humane meats (I know it’s not the same thing as choosing the Vegan lifestyle and I totally respect your choices!!) or working directly with a small farm that operates considering animal welfare, you will see a massive difference in Maddy’s behavior and confidence. It something some of my Vegan clients have taken on to work with their dogs. It’s about reinforcement hierarchy.
Regarding the Relaxation Protocol video:
Wow!!! So much more relaxed!! You guys are doing the work and it’s showing!!!It might mean you just do one run per day, or per 3-ring trial. That’s what I had to do with Marvel. It took Marvel 3 years before her could perform at a large trial for 3 days straight. And even so, he only runs twice each day. We’ll see if he’s ready for more in 2020.
Wow Kathy! That’s great! Grisha Stewart has written a book and has videos on BAT. I can also work with you privately. I offer online behavior coaching too! 🙂
Also, crate her in your vehicle when the weather is cooler. Let’s see how that works for a while. I believe it should make a difference.
These games are great! I’d like to see them in the trial and class setting too. 🙂
Is there a reason you don’t use chicken, meatballs, or steak for treats?
The Take the Show assignment is about practicing the different game in different contexts. And if all is going well, then to also practice them in the context of agility. Right now, we’re not looking at a particular order. We’re looking for fluency and a dog who is enjoying himself. 🙂
Please email me at Bobbie@DogCentricTraining.com. 🙂
