Tucker graduated from Basic Manners last night and he was a very good boy! He's had a couple of not great nights (one because he had to poop the whole and I didn't realize it, poor thing!) but for the most part has gotten more and more comfortable and confident each week. Last night was his best yet. Other than not wanting to go to his mat he was on fire! He followed his cues nearly perfectly and had his tail up and wagging the vast majority of the time (a big difference from his first day). He was focused and enjoyed himself, especially when we were shaping. He's even able to jump through the agility tire jump they have. I was able to let him drag his leash while we were working too because he was so focused (also two of the dogs dropped out so it was just us and one other team with a slightly fearful, non exuberant dog). I'm very proud of him and I had a great time!
I went ahead and signed him up for a Tricks class which started Sunday. I am making this thread to keep track of his progress. The first class didn't go so well. There are only two other teams but that means two new dogs and people and I guess that was enough of a change to set him back. We were also in a different area of the room, not our usual corner. He was not able to focus at all, I could barley get a hand target out of him. His favorite trick that he knows is spin so we tried that but he'd just stop half way through the spin to stare at the other dogs with his tail tucked. So hopefully he is able to warm up a bit more this week. It was so strange how out of it he was Sunday and how on target he was Wednesday. I thought since it was the same place he'd basically stay at the same comfort level but clearly I was wrong. Better luck next time!
Anyway, some of things we are working on are:
Spin both ways (he only spins to the left)
Leg weave
Foot target
Put toys in toy box (he was already partially taught that one)
I am a little confused about what the trainer is aiming for with the leg weaves. She didn't describe exactly what it will look like in the end. She started by having us put our dogs in heel position, taking a step forward with one foot, then having the dog go under the leg (with a hand target) and then back into heel. Then she had us do it on the other side. I'm picturing a forward leg weave where I walk and he weaves through my legs. Not sure if that's really what she wants though! I'll have to get clarification. The only thing that doesn't make sense is that she wants the dog to snap back into heel at the original side after going under my leg. For a forward leg weave I wouldn't really want the dog thinking it needs to go back into a start position since he's going to be going back and forth without stopping. I guess I'll find out more on Sunday! For now I'm disregarding that part.
Here is a video from today's training session working on foot targeting, leg weaves, and spin right/"twirl".
https://youtu.be/cmQjNVqHQbw
I went ahead and signed him up for a Tricks class which started Sunday. I am making this thread to keep track of his progress. The first class didn't go so well. There are only two other teams but that means two new dogs and people and I guess that was enough of a change to set him back. We were also in a different area of the room, not our usual corner. He was not able to focus at all, I could barley get a hand target out of him. His favorite trick that he knows is spin so we tried that but he'd just stop half way through the spin to stare at the other dogs with his tail tucked. So hopefully he is able to warm up a bit more this week. It was so strange how out of it he was Sunday and how on target he was Wednesday. I thought since it was the same place he'd basically stay at the same comfort level but clearly I was wrong. Better luck next time!
Anyway, some of things we are working on are:
Spin both ways (he only spins to the left)
Leg weave
Foot target
Put toys in toy box (he was already partially taught that one)
I am a little confused about what the trainer is aiming for with the leg weaves. She didn't describe exactly what it will look like in the end. She started by having us put our dogs in heel position, taking a step forward with one foot, then having the dog go under the leg (with a hand target) and then back into heel. Then she had us do it on the other side. I'm picturing a forward leg weave where I walk and he weaves through my legs. Not sure if that's really what she wants though! I'll have to get clarification. The only thing that doesn't make sense is that she wants the dog to snap back into heel at the original side after going under my leg. For a forward leg weave I wouldn't really want the dog thinking it needs to go back into a start position since he's going to be going back and forth without stopping. I guess I'll find out more on Sunday! For now I'm disregarding that part.
Here is a video from today's training session working on foot targeting, leg weaves, and spin right/"twirl".
https://youtu.be/cmQjNVqHQbw
