[Ginger McMullen]

Thanks Tracy,

Yep, Gemma’s cue is “bring it.” Sprite is really loving play now. So cool.

I might be able to borrow a box. My mats have been used for “place” and lying down. Might be a bit confusing. I’ll see if I have one she hasn’t seen.

Also, do I need something larger than a cone? This is what we’ve used. I guess I could open a soft crate. But, space is an issue and yard is too muddy to use. It’ll likely stay like that at this point as it’s clay.

Ok, I’m not crazy with the sound on that video. I’m watching going what on earth is earning the click? Lots of video surprises in puppy class. 🙂

[Ginger McMullen]

Hi Tracy,

I am really happy with this retrieve behavior now and it’s been a journey. She would not bring toys back for the longest time and we’ve worked hard!

I’m behind this week and I don’t have a box. Is there a particular size? Can I just use a mat to run across? Also, watching your video I wonder if the sound is off track. It sounded like most of the clicks were when she was already at the reward outside the box. The instructions said click the back feet for the running through part.

[Ginger McMullen]

Hi Tracy,

I’m a little confused as I thought you wanted the sit offered. Her verbal sit and down are honestly not that strong. I’ll play with this more as it’s raining for a few days. Maybe the heavier toy is easier to be accurate versus the Charlee Bear.

I tried the “handling” drills, but the space is small. The BC didn’t work all that well. Plus, she’ll pull off if I move away quickly o I’ll review that lecture as well.

[Ginger McMullen]

I have another ladder that is higher. But, it’s also thicker PVC and narrower. So, that proved to be. Little too hard for her.

Gemma has a lot of verbals. Sprite is just learning them. Toys and food are different. We haven’t done “catch” before and my dogs can’t catch or I can’t throw. “Pitch” is a toy thrown back at you to catch.

I started with the clicker followed by the verbal. But, I had to stop that session as she was confused. I was getting weird offerings of spin, back up, lie down. Anything but a sit. Her sits are slower than I’d like in general and I was waiting for offered as it’s not fluent on a verbal yet. Used some toy as well. Lots of play between sessions that is mostly edited out for time. I’m waiting for an offered out which also takes longer.

I can see that I lumped the distance part and probably should move around more rather than mostly face her.

[Ginger McMullen]

Of interest, I’m left handed. But, I learned most things with my right hand.

More rain predicted, so we shall see on the tunnel. I dug out the ladder. She’s definitely staring at my hands more than I’d like for the reward. But, I wasn’t using markers as it’s basically a pattern game. Should I add in my bowl cue?

[Ginger McMullen]

Lol, Gemma is always excited for a turn! FOMO is very real for her. I’ll try adding an empty bowl. We haven’t done much of that.

Tried lap and tandem turns. Hen I added the hat target I notice that she’s still watching me and not really focusing forward. Threw in a little reminder at the end.

Unfortunately my yard is muddy now, so the tunnel might need to wait. Sorry I am headless in the lap turn video. Hmmm.

[Ginger McMullen]

Hey Tracy,

When we do the collection sandwich to the go are you actually feeding the pivot? Or, just expecting the turn and the reward is after the go? If I out a bile out is it preloaded? Doubtful I could toss accurately in the bowl. Hmmm.

I’ve only read the first lecture. Here’s strike a pose. There’s a little toy toy at the end. Gemma got a turn at the end. So, don’t feel sad for her watching!

[Ginger McMullen]

I intended to get outside today. But, after all my errands it’s drizzling. So, I tried great collection sandwich indoors. Not much room. Plus, I’m not convinced she’s switching sides after watching the video. She’s coming to the correct side though. I’m just not sure she was really on the other line first. Need more space!

I tried backing up again to the target as well.

[Ginger McMullen]

Hey Tracy,

Should I feed on the floor for backing up? I’m at a trial this weekend, so still indoors for filming. We did get some two toy play. I had a friend film, but right as that happened a dog walked by and I lost her attention. I’ll see if we can get something again tomorrow.

I changed my prop to a hat since you thought the backgammon game was too slippery and the mark tib had too much pivot thoughts. We just started with this, so still building value. I’m not sure in the RC part and didn’t try it as she needs to drive more to the prop. It doesn’t look like I’m leaving early really but I’ll work on it. I think Sprite will be more handler focused.

[Ginger McMullen]

Hey Tracy,

I’ve had a busy week. Here is back up and turn and burn. I’ll try to get the cone outside for more space. We are at just the earliest levels with this.

[Ginger McMullen]

I think she’ll figure out the air cookie too quickly. No helpers at the moment. She’s getting better with toys but the distance from distraction needs to be far. Plus, I need to not overdue it.

Cone wrapping:

[Ginger McMullen]

Hey Tracy,

I’ve played two toy games. But, she won’t play if she’s distracted. I’ll keep working on that. Yea, VERY social. She was climbing in the lap of my friends husband whom she has just met. She’s like “ hi, I’m Sprite! Want to meet me?”

Cone it is. I’ll film inside tonight later.

Here is toy chase. I added the food toss, but I’ll review your video again. The last rep when she was slow to grab the toy I heard her choking. Seems she didn’t swallow before taking off!

[Ginger McMullen]

Yes, dog food tubs!

We were socializing a bit at an agility trial today. Sprite wants to meet everyone. I got a little tug far away from the ring which is huge for her. Tried a little closer and she couldn’t tug. But, I could use food pattern games. Toys are turning on, but not so exciting for her like they are for Gemma.

I tried to ottoman as a go around prop. You’ll notice she backs up on one side. Not sure what to make of that. But, consistent with the side. It might be pressure from the coffee table. I have a plunger and cone, but it sounded like you wanted a bigger object?

I sense a theme with slow down…. 🙂

[Ginger McMullen]

Hey Tracy,

Ok, I’ll move the board. It’s heavy which is why I left it there. Hard to chase a ball in that small space. I could move it to the grass and try a ball chase if you think it would work. She’ll chase food.

No issue backing up to a target. That’s how I knew to teach it. Took a class and instructor wanted it shaped. Took her awhile t get it, but she did. We can easily add the target back in. Just adding fluency with different ways to get the behavior.

Here is the raised plank. Might be higher than you wanted. But, it’s what I had.

[Ginger McMullen]

Thanks Tracy,

Sprite is a little cautious with the wobble board. I did it months ago and she seemed fine. Dug it out about 2 weeks ago on cement. She didn’t really seem confident. So, it’s indoors and the ball is out. I think we need a few more sessions. She’s getting on, but seems tentative.

Also, a clip of back up. We’ve worked on this before. Initially it was to a target. Then, I free shaped it. Beep beep is her cue. But, not fluent yet.

I’ll post the raised plank next. Put it in the food containers! No phone books around here!

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