Oftentimes, the best way to practice these behaviours is to practice one or two repetitions randomly throughout each day. Incorporating these mini-practice sessions into your normal daily life is the best way to generalise behaviours, but it also prevents your dog from thinking that the only time they should perform this behaviour is when you “look” like you’re training (treat pouch on, clicker in hand, etc).
Your assignments for this week:
- Train a “find it” in the home and in other low-distraction areas.
- Train a “U-turn” in the home and other low-distraction areas.
- Start counterconditioning your dog to triggers at a safe distance as you move away. Aim for a 1:1 ratio – every time your dog sees a trigger! High-value food (or toy) and still feed even if they’re barking! Remember the zones!
- Practise your leash-handling skills and defensive handling skills so that they’re easy in a stressful environment.
- Capture video of your work (if it’s safe! Best to have a friend or partner do the filming while you do the work.) and submit it for review so I can help you work out the kinks and give feedback. (optional)
- Submit questions via the discussion forum so that we can all learn together!