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Good morning!
>>Most useful really I think was that I can’t work too long. Especially when it’s hot. They are saying is in the mid eighties today. And last weekend at dock diving I swear Kaz was saying… It’s never been this hot in my whole life!>>
He is correct! He has never experienced heat, and never had to train in the heat. Your neck of the woods had a long winter! So short sessions will build up his heat tolerance.
>>ou asked her how cool it would be if in school she gave something a good try and the teacher always gave her an A+. And what what we want for our dogs. They always get a A+ no matter what! I>>
Yes! Can you imagine how good our human educational system would be if we rewarded effort – especially when that effort is based on information that the student relies on from US HUMANS in order to be correct? That is why I reward effort in dogs a LOT because a) they are learning and b) they have to sort through my trashy cues LOL!!!!
On the video – first of all, he was tugging like a fiend here! LOVE IT! He was very keep to play.
Yes, he is still learning the big long tunnel outside. You can stretch it out more so it is not quite as bent – if he can see more light through it and less of a tight bend, he will commit better. Then when he is more comfy driving to it you can bend it more. He is definitely figuring out how to do it, as you can see from his offering later in the video.
The wing wraps are looking AMAZING – fast and tight! He is still sorting out getting started but that will come together with more experience. He did great here!
And yes, at 2:00, he was cooked. Tugging and running is HOT HOT HOT without a lot of time to breathe, so you can do one minute then back into the house to cool off. I also work early in the morning or in the evening before sunset when it is really hot here.
Great job!!
TracyGood morning!
>>Esp after this past weekend… we did one day of a seminar on Saturday that I was told was puppies/ young dog. I asked specifically if he would be appropriate because we hadnt done any sequencing. “the other dogs are all at about that level”. yea, not. The good parts – his stays were AMAZING, he was eager to work and tug in a new environment and on turf which he had never seen. >>
Hooray for the good parts! But booooo on being told one thing and asked to do another. Hopefully the instructor broke it down for him – it sounds like he was an amazing dude 🙂 Love it!!!!
On the video –
On the wraps at the beginning, he was wrapping really well! Try not to throw the reward in a way that tries for a second wrap, that was setting up some awkward movement from him – reward the first wrap (which was beautiful) away from the wing. No need for any multi-wraps at all with him – his first wrap is lovely 🙂 AND he was offering nice ones to the left like at :25 and 1:39!!!!Wing wrap to the tunnel looked great, good boy! Try to say the right verbal like the timing of your go verbal at 2:38
Sitting in the in-between area between the wing and the tunnel was HARD, great job getting reward in.
On the wing send to start the sequence, remember to connect. When you don’t connect and point ahead of him, he has questions like at 1:29. When you do connect on the send, he is lovely (like at 1:45).
Proofing: He did well, this is such a hard game!!!! Starting with two tunnel reps was probably what set up the failure on the first wrap rep on both side, so on the next session, start with the wraps before trying any tunnel reps. Also, hold his collar to start the verbal on the wrap reps so he hears it 3 or 4 times before you both start to move. On the left, you held him but released the and said the verbal simultaneously. On the first right reps, you didn’t hold him, so moved and started the verbal. Ideally, hold him for 2 or 3 fun seconds while you say the verbal before you let him go That will allow him to process the verbal before motion and raise the rate of success.
>>I was giving him a cheese ball as/before I took his collar, He is his mother’s son. Looks like I am pulling him off his feet>>
Ha! He was rarin’ to go 🙂 Good boy!!!!
Both videos were the same here – let me know if there was supposed to be a different one.
Great job here 🙂
TracyGood morning!
She was an absolute STAR on the wraps!!!! WOW!!! It was especially cool to see that happen after you did 2 GO reps in a row. She was tight and balanced and fast on both wraps. YAY!! Well done to you for showing her the distinct transition elements (fast, slow, rotate) to help her commit in collection. Click/treat for you both!!!!!
The get out is going well too! I think the transition at :25 when she disengaged was because things got mellow while you were getting ready. So before the send, do that ready dance to get her looking at you and ready to go like at 1:16. And to help her commit to the start wing (and ignore the jump that is nearby) be a little closer to the start wing to give her the send. The ready dance plus being closer will totally help her ignore the environment and ignore the jump (which is hard, because now the jump has value).
The first get out was a little late and she didn’t expect it (so didn’t process it til she was past the jump) but the 2nd one was earlier and she was more prepared so she nailed it. Yay!!
>>We are hitting that super busy time of the end of the school year! Todays session was last I could do till next Saturday. We won’t be able to do last live class. Susan is doing it>>
I bet things are busy busy busy!!!! I am looking forward to seeing Susan in the live class and then the rest of Team Prytania when things calm down as the school year finishes 🙂
Great job here!
TracyGood morning! Hooray for no puking! Hopefully that is a thing of the past. These sessions looked lovely!
First video:
Nice transition from the toy play to the treat toss! And then back the toy play at the end!
She is doing brilliantly in her transition from toy play to get the cookie to drive to handler focus!!! You can slow down sooner: note how her butt was swinging out wide. That was because you were decelerating as she arrived at you, so she didn’t have time to organize her collection. So start to slow down before she is halfway to you, so she can make the collection. Her turns look great and so giving her earlier decel cues will make help her be even tighter.
2nd video:
The ‘free’ toy out is looking so good! You can totally reward with a cookie! The double turns also looked good – she is being a rockstar about coming into handler focus, staying with you for both turns! Yay!>>We were having toy malfunctions. I put extensions on them and practiced separately but still had trouble making them work. More practice. >>
In these early stages, you are experiencing the awkwardness of sorting out the mechanics and reward strategies. It will all feel smoother with more time in the saddle 🙂 That is why the skills are easy for now, because we have to sort out all the human mechanics 🙂 I think it went well here, even if it felt a little weird 🙂
>>Also I was trying to keep her low on the ground, but I can see watching videos back how much she likes to jump up. Will work on that too.>>
You were great! The toy play was nice and low, so she could choose her play style. Yes, she likes to lift her front feet off the ground to grab the toy, which is fine – the difference is that she is able to keep a natural head/neck position. When we lift the toy up, it cranks her neck up and that is less natural.
>>I’m having to experiment how big to cut her treats. Big enough for her to see, but small enough that she can eat quickly or swallow. I think she would have had trouble seeing them on the turf.>>
The cookie sizes seemed to work well here. Out on the turf, you can use a target: place a cookie on the target while you are holding her, letting her see you do it Then bring her to your starting spot and send her to the cookie target (as if you had thrown the cookie) and then you can be ready for the next part of the game. That can simulate the sending her away like a throw would, without worrying if she can find a tiny treat in the turf.
Plus, as she grows up, she will get used to tracking and finding the one tossed treat, so it will get easier and easier.
Nice work here!
TracyGood morning!
>>I had to practice and practice that without her and still felt like I was doing it wrong.>
When I started doing the blinds this way, I had to practice a whole lot without the dog, then with my adult dogs 🙂 It will feel natural soon!
This session went really well! The goal of the reward across the body is to open up huge connection – and you nailed it! She seemed to have zero questions. And you were on time, so she easily made the side change.
>>My instructors are always telling me I’m late, so I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m late on these games too>>
It is possible that you are not late, but you are on time and not connected enough (especially with a smaller dog). The blind crosses hinge on the connection on the new side, so try this style of connection and see if your instructors stop telling you that you are late 🙂
Great job!!
TracyHi!
This video gives me a good look at her when she is walking past the camera – I like how she is almost whippety (like a border whippet) in her build and movement. Gonna be fast fast fast and also able to turn turn turn. Fun!! I am excited for your future!The back-and-forth rhythm with the bowls look great, she got right into it. Your mechanics will be easier if you have the bowl on the couch and cookies in each hand, like you started doing at about :40. Adding the upright (foam roller) was absolutely no problem for her. Moving it further away? Also no problem. It was all happening so fast you didn’t have a lot of time to reload the cookies, so you can break it off and play tug for a moment while you reload.
Since this went so well, you can switch to a wingless upright and see how she does (I am confident she will be perfect :)). We add to this game tomorrow 🙂
Great job here!!
TracyGood morning! Really nice session here with your goat 🙂
Getting the toy play going before the disc was in position was the best option here, that thing is huge LOL!! And then you cued the transition from play to shaping by assuming the “international sign to offer” (being quiet, looking at the item, etc). She was great!
Then transitioning back to the toy and leaning the disc up on its side was even better – that was great! And good info to not leave the cookie cup unattended after a search because she assumed it was snack time LOL!
She did really well offering to get on the giant disc – the front end was no trouble at all. She did get her back feet on it towards the end, but she was less comfy with that: note how all of her weight was in her front LOL!
It was probably not totally comfy to stand with balance because the disc is smaller than she is and moves a lot. So to help her out with getting balanced on something moving, you can widen the playing field by putting the big disc in the center of several other things around it – another big disc if you have one, or smaller discs, or even the Cato Plank. That way she can put her front feet on one thing and the back feet on the other thing, stretching out a bit more and feeling more balanced.
The second video was HILARIOUS for 2 reasons:
First, note how she set up the training session to have the treats and toy ready for her to reward herself for the shaping and also have play breaks LOL!!Second, like a good puppy owner, the first thing you did was get it on video rather than get her off the table LOL!! I would have done the same thing LOL!!!!
Great job here, she is a blast!
Tracy
You can try using very soft tuggies and soft food, but generally dogs can work through teething really well.
T
Hi!
>.I am more than happy to delete Its Your Choice from my games. LOL
Ha! Yes, one less thing to have in the rotation 🙂
>>It was when I was trying to work on Delayed Reinforcement. I’d have her sit and then wait to release her to the tug. If I waited to long she would bark.>>
Translation of her barking: “THIS IS TOO HARD! I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU WANT, HUMAN! I AM SO FRUSTRATED” bark bark bark 🙂 So either release her a lot sooner so she fails less, or skip this game til we come to it here in class 🙂
>>But hasn’t barked as of yet for the tug in a training session.
You’ve been great with high levels of success as making transitions really fast – so she has been very successful and not frustrated 🙂
T
Hi!
You can do the wrap proofing on the easy side, and take the harder back to the single wingless upright and just work some offering, til he gets back in balance. That way he gets to practice both!Tracy
Yes, when you are cleared, definitely do them if you want! And if you want to also do MaxPup 3, we can prorate the tuition to make up for the time you lost if you want!
Tracy
Here is the info! Registration opens on May 16th.
Hi everyone!
MaxPup 2 is winding down – we have our final live classes and games package this week, and the last day for video submissions will be Friday, May 26th.
We then take a little break before MaxPup 3 begins on June 14th!
Here is the scoop on MaxPup 3. Some things to note:
Class begins on June 14th – registration opens on May 16th at Noon Eastern. Working spots in the forum are unlimited, so you don’t need to rush or worry about getting in right when it opens up.
MaxPup 3 has live seminars rather than classes. These are add-ons, so you can choose to do one, two, or all 3! Registration for these ARE limited, and will be on a first-come, first-registered basis. This registration opens on May 16th at Noon Eastern on a form included in the info.Here is the full description. Please note that the links are not live yet, they will go live on May 16th at Noon.
Thanks!
Tracy[AU-059] MaxPup 3: Putting It Together!
Continue to give your pup the best start in agility with amazing foundations! In this 3rd installment of the MaxPup series, we will focus on building handling and teamwork skills, as well as adding contact training games! Worried about limited space or bad weather? No problem! Each handling and contact game will have a “full” format to play in larger spaces, as well as adaptations for playing in small spaces or at home! This class will give you an entire library of skills to help prepare for an amazing agility future.
All of these will be presented as fun games that stimulate your puppy’s mind without overworking her growing body. Get your puppy ready for an amazing career by teaching phenomenal foundations!
8 weeks of content with a break week in the middle!!!
This class also offers our Hybrid feature – LIVE SEMINARS!
You can also add more to your training by registering for one or more of the LIVE handling seminars to augment the traditional online format. Want more interaction and instant live feedback? Choose which one(s) you want to play LIVE and get instant feedback! Or join us as auditor (included in all of the participation levels).
Scroll down for the descriptions of the LIVE seminar add-ons, or click HERE for the registration request form: https://forms.gle/GH1co1dkWBV8axx87
Continue to expand your pup’s knowledge of handling skills, and get going with contact training! We will address a variety of contact training methods to get you on the road to amazing contacts. This class also continues the handling fun we started in the first 2 MaxPup classes.
We will be focusing on building skills in 4 categories:
Wingin’ It! Complex handling sequences to build your skills, using just wings and tunnels!
Concept Transfers Taking your pup’s handling skills and installing them into sequences (low jumps and a tunnel)
Teeter Games A variety of games to build confidence and understanding of All.Things.Teeter!
Contact Foundations Flatwork games and board games to pump up your pup’s foundation for contacts (stopped and running – there will be games for each!)
Dates:
Course starts on June 14, 2023.
Registration Opens: May 16th at Noon Eastern
Live Seminar Dates, Times, Topics
Check out the LIVE options! You can add a working spot in any/all of the live options to your registration – this is open to auditors and working participants! We will have a daytime session and an evening session!
Click here to request registration for any or all of them: https://forms.gle/GH1co1dkWBV8axx87
Tuesday, June 20th:
Concept Transfers: Young Dog Handling! (3 jumps and a tunnel)
10am Eastern
Or
6pm Eastern
Thursday, July 6th:
Wingin’ It! Complex Handling Sequences Using Wings And A Tunnel
10am Eastern
Or
6pm Eastern
Weds, August 2nd:
Concept Transfers: Young Dog Handling! (3 jumps and a tunnel)
10am Eastern
Or
6pm Eastern
Course Structure:
This unique “hybrid” course combines the traditional elements of Agility U’s online program with an option for LIVE seminar and in-the-moment feedback! Choose your adventure and pick how you’d like to participate:
Classroom Only Working: “Traditional” working spot in the online class where you can post your work in the class Forum. Classroom working participants are also able to audit the LIVE seminars.
Auditing: Auditors see everything and can participate with questions and discussions including the LIVE seminars!)
Choose-A-Seminar: Registered for a Working or Auditing spot? You can also add a working spot in 1, 2, or all 3 LIVE seminars! Click HERE to request registration or use this link: https://forms.gle/GH1co1dkWBV8axx87
ALL Participants will be able to audit any of the LIVE seminars as well as view the recordings of these sessions at any time.
Each game will feature a downloadable video explanation and demo as well as a written description.
Equipment needed (Working and LIVE seminar participants only):
3 jumps, 3 jumps bars or bumps (ideally wing jumps but can be wingless jumps), 1 tunnel (10 feet or longer), lots of tunnel bags, contact training mat, access to a teeter or wobble board, travel plank, occasional access to a long plank
Space required (working participants only):
All games can be played in small spaces. 40×40 is ideal for the sequences and other games can fit into smaller spaces. All you need is a small, clear space and good footing! We can tweak any and all of the games to fit your space 🙂
Type of participation:
Classroom Only Working: This level includes a working spot in the regular online classroom and auditing the LIVE online seminars (Click HERE to request registration for a working spot in the live seminars, or use this link: https://forms.gle/GH1co1dkWBV8axx87 ). You will be able to post videos of your training in the online classroom for feedback and training suggestions, ask questions, participate in discussions and chat, as well as audit the LIVE online session(s) and view the recording of the live classes.
Auditing: This level includes access to ALL of the LIVE and online classroom features, as well as participation in discussions and chat in both the regular online class forums and during the LIVE online class sessions. (Click HERE to request registration for a working spot in the live seminars, or use this link: https://forms.gle/GH1co1dkWBV8axx87 ).
Tuition:
Classroom Only Working: $195
Auditing: $125
Live Seminars: $45 for one, $80 for two, $110 for all three! Click HERE to request registration or use this link: https://forms.gle/GH1co1dkWBV8axx87
Registration Opens May 16th at Noon Eastern!
Hi!
>> I can’t believe they are already 9 months old!
Already 9 months old… but also ONLY 9 months old. He is doing GREAT!!!
>>He still can’t play with toys outside of home. But treats work well for short training sessions.
You can try a food-based toy to chase when you are outside of home, like a lotus ball or treat hugger tied to a line for him to chase like a toy!
He did a great job offering the barrel wraps here!!! it took him a moment to remember then BOOM! Nailed it. Even though he had a training break, he is faster and tighter than ever! Super!
You can also do the turn and burn game with the barrel, where you start to leave earlier and earlier, running on the countermotion line. And yes, he is definitely ready for you to move back and send him (and add you wrap verbals), which will lead nicely into the smiley face game 🙂
Great job!!!
Tracy
