Fall ‘25 #8
Went back to the site of new home construction that was very distracting for Otis several months ago. The did a lot of whining and I did a lot of nagging that day. I was hoping since it was Saturday there would be the same visual distraction but that workers would probably not be there; however; the new home owners were there along with their dog. In addition after Otis started his track, a contractor drove up and they of course were discussing the weekly progress. Thought our walk up was good as well as the start. At the dirt swath I should have augmented with scuffing when I laid the track. I did put a food drop on the far side. I also should have gotten close as he approached the swath and as the distractions intensified. I was nagging again. I was very pleased he was able to come back to the track, make a good turn and finish strong which included a look back at the loud talking/laughter. He went right back to his track. The indication was classic Otis. Thankful for the joy in that.
https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cT6XFFnbltw
https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cT6XFYnbltg
I love how much line you let run at the start—the decision to follow the track was clearly his. I agree, ideally you would have moved up—not just because of the distractions, but because I’d assume my dog might be challenged by the bare dirt, and if I’m closer I’m offering more support. I might have put food drops down at every footstep too—so next time he sees bare dirt he’s thinking “ooooh, food!” So the entire bare dirt piece I think you were testing not training. Does that make sense? You were willing him to do it….and waiting for it to happen. I suspect that’s when you nag. The entire time you’re telling him “go find it, let’s go” you might want to be taking a step, and another, to get him to reinforcement. So, in the future, when you hear yourself getting ready to speak, pause and ask yourself, “how can I make him succeed?”
ReplyDeleteLook at the difference between ‘go find it’ after the food drop, and when he’s confused—after the food drop, it’s clearly a cue and he does it. When he can’t figure out how to solve the problem, ‘go find it’ just leads to undesired behaviors. So there’s your feedback in real time—you say it once, he goes to work—OR—he checks out. If he checks out, immediately figure out how to help him succeed, without taking over for him.
Nice turn! Keep an eye on YOU and make sure you’re letting him make the turn decision like you let him make the start one!
I like that you are establishing a routine about 3 ft from start flag. When you stop him to switch line to harness, tell him there "ready steady go find it". You stop him once to change the clip and then stop him again for ready steady. Let's make it one stop and let's not jazz too much. He may bolt and jerk you down or, the jazz may be distracting. He knows his job. Play the line and then hustle hustle hustle to 10 ft mark OR CLOSER. He struggles? You support in the moment AND consider how you will improve plotting for next time. I personally would be experimenting with 'what might work" when he stalls. Today, uh huh didnt work so great. How about pat your leg, call him to you? How about step back, call him to heel? How about water? Rescent? Build a toolbox.
ReplyDeleteI personally would plot one fun, highly augmented track this week and nail it. Then go on vacation. Don't drill him or he.will.quit.