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Hi!
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>> This was the part I was definitely overthinking LOL. So simple but made it 100x harder for myself.>>
Totally relatable! It is like every time I get a new puppy, I need to learn mechanics all over again LOL!!!
Good morning!
>> I sat on these because there’s something wrong with all of them but then realized I’m never going to get going if I don’t get going!>>
Exactly! I am glad you posted them! If we wait til everything is perfect, then nothing will get done. I try to leave in all of my bloopers, there are plenty of them LOL!
>>Question: the 2-minute guide for training sessions – does that include all the revving up at the beginning or just the brain-thinking stuff?>>
The 2 minute guide should include everything from the minute the dog enters the training environment: playing before/during/after and the skills training sections too. You can see by about 3 minutes on the first video, she was done and losing focus, so ideally you would end the session by the 2 minute mark.
Her tugging looks really strong in the foot target video! She definitely loves tugging! She doesn’t yet love giving it back, so you can trade for a treat or another toy to get her to drop it quickly.
This session was good for working out the shaping mechanics. I think the foot target was too tall for her to think about putting her feet on automatically. You got lots of offered behavior (nose touching it, downs, sits etc) but the foot target was harder. So you can either squish this one down so it is maybe an inch or two tall (you’ll get more automatic foot targeting) or switch to something that is shorter for easier foot targeting. That will really get the ball rolling for her!
The driving ahead video looked awesome, I love her toy drive! The driving ahead portion was easy peasy for her, so let’s sort out the toy play mechanics:
Have you tried trading the tuggy for a low value treat? You mentioned having concerns for the safety of your flesh (understandable!) but what is happening is you are pulling up the toy to get it out of her mouth, which is frustrating her – so she tugs harder so you pull it up more to the point that she can’t hold on, then she gets frustrated and barks, then you get mad and pull the toy away, then she disengages (1:05 – 1:19) .
So to prevent all of that fighting with each other about the toy, just show her a treat and toss it to the side, so she lets go of the toy and gets rewarded for doing that. Use a treat that is high enough in value that she will actually let go of the toy, but not so enticing that she then doesn’t want to play with the toy.
You can also add more driving forward with you standing up! That will allow you to start moving as well.
Looking at the wing wrap videos: this is also going well!
On the first video:
A little detail to make mechanics easier: Make sure you have the cookies ready before you put the bowls down, so you can reward the very first thing she does.VERY nice transition from the loud cookie drops into the stealthy cookie drops! That was impressive! And then she did a great job offering the back and forth. And she did go back to the toy at the end – you might have chosen the lower value toy there, so next time to get her back on the toy more easily, try that fuzzy toy she really liked 🙂
At the beginning of the 2nd video – rather than all the search cookies, bring her into the session with a tug toy (especially because it is such a food-heavy training game).
She got the rhythm going really well here too, so she was totally ready for you to add the upright. Adding the upright totally changes the picture, so you can go back to the start of the game with dropping the treats in to the bowl rather than waiting for her to offer. That will re-establish the rhythm of the back-and-forth and then you can make those quick transitions to the stealthy cookie drops and then to offering, without her freezing at all.
I will be adding some reinforcement strategy ideas for everyone later today, and that will include ways to get the toy back without fighting and while preserving the safety of your flesh 🙂 Stay tuned!
Great job here!!
TracyHi!
>>Also, I tried to wait a bit longer before I released her to the toy. Don’t know if that helped.>>
It was great! She was on fire! Great focus forward and drive to the toy! You can start adding a little more of your motion too by moving as soon as you let her go.
>> I can see how putting a line on it would have helped, but then it’s harder to throw??>>
I think you should definitely put it on a line, for 2 reasons:
to keep the ring lower so when you are tugging, you can be a little more upright without her needing to crank her neck up while tugging – you can be holding the line and the ring can be on the ground for her to tug on. We don’t want her lifted off the ground while tugging, and we don’t want you to be in pain from all the bending over… so a line will be a great thing for you both!
Also, at the end, you were asking for a retrieve but I don’t think she really has a retrieve yet in this context (and that is fine, we don’t need a retrieve in this context yet!). On the other reps, you were quicker to grab the toy before she could scoot away. On the last rep, she scooted away as you reached for it (too much pressure, maybe?) – she did bring it a step towards you when you asked, but having it on a line will help because you can engage with her without the pressure of you leaning into grab the toy (this universally will cause puppies to scoot away). So when playing this game, as you get to her, you can grab the other end of the line and not the actual ring 🙂
To help make it throwable, maybe tie a 3 foot long fleece toy to the ring? That is pretty heavy, so you can scrunch it up and throw it pretty far!
Great job here! Let me know what you think!
TracyThis is going really well too! If you are going to toss the treat as a reward, you don’t need the ‘yes’ marker, you can use the ‘get it’ as the marker. The “yes” gets her looking at you which is perfect for when you reward from your hand. The “get it” will both mark the behavior as correct and indicate where to look for reward.
After each reward, be sure to start with the ready dance moment – this helps her be ready for the send, and it gets snappier behavior as she learns to shift from handler focus to obstacle focus. For example, look at :32 when you did the ready dance before sending her: very snappy drive to the prop!
Compare that to :38 where there was no ready dance – she did go to the prop, but she was not sure if she should go (a few questions of looking at you and not as much speed). So add that ready dance before every rep to really get her flying away to the prop and back to you 🙂
Nice work!!
TracyGood morning!
Great job tugging without touching her!
The session went really well and her offering was SUPER! YAY!!!
>>I thought she’d do better going back to treats on this.
The treats seemed to work really well – she was engaged, no puking 🙂 and happily ate the treat and went back to the toy.
You can switch to a wingless upright for the next session if you have one!
This game is all about mechanics, so a couple of ideas to help get them really quick. Tiny dogs are insanely quick, so our mechanics have to be insanely quick (big puppies are not as quick in their movement so those mechanics can be easier LOL!)
On the transition from the tugging into training – switch the order of festivities to help her out:
while tugging with one hand, the other hand can be reaching for the bowls. Then take the tug out, get the cookies in your hand and only then should the prop and bowls going into position. In this session, the upright went in first and she had an absolutely spectacular offer of a wrap which did not get rewarded. Then she got a little antsy during the waiting for you to be ready… so you will want to be ready before the items to offer on are visible to her.
Then for the transition back to shaping after the tug break: one hand tugs, the other hand refills the treats so the very instant you take the toy away, you are ready to reward that first offered behavior. It will also be quicker for you if you have treats in both hands so you can drop the reward into the bowl from the hand next to the bowl, rather than one hand having to reach over, grab a treat, then drop it in.
The quickness of transitions will be very helpful!
She did not bark here, but you mentioned barking in other scenarios – she probably didn’t bark here because she was offering behavior on the bowls and upright. But if there is nothing to offer on and the transition is slow, then she might bark (frustration).
Great job!!!
TracyHi!
The main thing is that we don’t accidentally add pressure to training with these baby dogs – and letting the reinforcement strategies come together over time is the best way to do it 🙂 I call it #TeamChill haha!
>> “I’m starving & dying here!” mode
I mean, I am an adult human (theoretically haha) and I totally get into the ‘I’m starving & dying here!’ mode, so I can relate to how a puppy feels 🙂
T
Good morning!
>>May I ask you to please remove the 4 new topics I created in error on April 30th?
Will do! I was going to ask if you wanted to consolidate them into your thread but you beat me to it 🙂
Your training videos are fabulous here and Skeeter is sooooo clever and adorable!!!
First video was the prop shaping from the pre-game – SUPER! Very nice transition to tossing the treats off to the side, then to you standing up and continuing the game. Skeeter was great with his hits! The value looks really strong – my only suggestion is to replace your ‘yes’ marker with a ‘get it’ marker for when you are going to toss the treat: ‘yes’ generally gets the pups looking towards us (which can be very useful) and the ‘get it’ will tell him to look out away for the reward (also very useful).
You have the ‘get it’ marker going in the driving ahead video, which was perfect! Yay! Your timing of releasing him to the toy was spot on here: you were connected to him and let him go chase the toy while he was looking at it and not at you. Perfect!
Skeeter strutting away with the toy like it was a trophy was probably the cutest thing I have seen in decades LOL! AS his retrieve continues to build up, you can trade for a second toy or a cookie, as long as the cookie doesn’t distract him from his toy play.
So now you can definitely go to the next steps of this game: hold him longer by a heartbeat as the toy lands, so you can also start to move foward (at a walk) when you let him go. If he likes that, you can gradually add in moving faster and faster, and also add in saying go go go 🙂 You will know if he is ready for more, if he continues to drive straight and fast to the toy.
This 3rd video is the prop sends – Skeeter LOVES the prop and so the ready dance moment was weird at first for him. But then he got into the groove very nicely. He was sniffing a little, I think because you had dropped the first few rewards. Later in the session, you rewarded from your hand (like at :47 and :54 and 1:16) and that helped him stop sniffing. Since he likes toys, you can also use a toy for this instead of treats.
And, you can reward him for big effort even if the hit on the prop is not perfect: at 1:02 he went all the way to the prop and even a little past it – btg distance for a little dog! He didn’t quite hit it but his effort was awesome, so it is still rewardable because he gave you a lot of send 🙂
The wrap shaping session also looked really good! He definitely has the back-and-forth rhythm so sliding the upright into position was great. He was able to squeeze between it and youm so you did a great job of pulling it in really close and then re-starting the game with the cookie drops. The upright changes the picture pretty dramatically for the pups, so he needed a moment to re-start the back-and-forth rhythm. He did really well!
So for the next session, you can start with the upright already in front of you, and get the rhythm going with the cookie drops into the bowls – and then I bet you will be able to get him to start offering the back and forth as well.
When he can offer the back and forth with the upright right there like he was doing without it, you can add two things:
– switch to sitting on something low (I have a cooler that I often sit on, so to get me off the ground) to help begin the transition to you standing up.
– start sliding the upright a little further from you.
You are off to a terrific start! Well done with all of the mechanics of the various games: your excellent attention to those little details helped set up a lot of success 🙂
Tracy
