17/02/2024
This photo may look super simple but there’s a lot more to it.
This is from our free assessment session to make sure a dog is a suitable client for a foundation class.
Even in this short session we were able to teach both the dog, but more so the handler, about engagement.
In the background we had 3 other dogs in the background to assess this dogs reaction. She struggles with over excitement and a bit of reactivity.
One of objects we utilise in our classes is platforms. It’s very telling of a dogs mindset how they interact with the platforms. Initially a lot of dogs are suspicious and reluctant to put their paws on it.
This was a dog who wasn’t fussed at all with putting her paws on it. We want to push dogs out of their comfort zones as this builds their confidence.
✨ Through fun luring and platform exercises we went from a dog who didn’t want anything to do with the owner and sniffing the environment profusely to a dog who had a wagging tail and was looking to do more fun exercises with her owner. ✨
This was just the introduction session.
Can’t wait to see the success the next few week will bring for her and the other members!
Our goal with the platforms is to have a visual queue and aid that allows the dog and the handler to have a distinct place to offer rewards. This helps build focus immensely.
Over time, we use different platforms to achieve different goals - position based training.
Particularly helpful with Rallyo and competitive obedience.
Our foundation course is designed to teach focus in distracting environments with other dogs and people, begin the engagement process by building up focus and food drive. Creating an environment where reactive dogs can be near other dogs in a secure way to reduce reactions from being practiced as no dogs will invade another’s personal space.
