Clean Run Magazine - July 2008 - 64

Practice contacts in small areas! And when the snow flies, work on your contacts indoors! If this is the case, perception is the mediating variable between the stimulus and response. If we can change perceptions, then we can change responses. If you could come to see that roller coaster as a signal for fun rather than impending death, your behavior toward it would change from avoidance to actively seeking the experience. If Copper could perceive the stimulus of agility in the same way that Smudge does, the same change in response would occur. So, how can we change perceptions? We need to use systematic desensitization to achieve counterconditioning and put a new “spin” on the stimulus. Slowly increasing exposure to the stimulus, while keeping the dog’s arousal levels in the normal range, is at the heart of systematic desensitization. We work on systematic desensitization in a controlled step-by-step manner. The goal is that the stimulus eventually triggers a new, more appropriate response. 6 ft. bridge ramp and 3 ft. A-frame ramp Approximate angle of full-size contact obstacles Lightweight and folds for easy storage “My contact trainer gets a great deal of use even though I have a full set of equipment. If I’m short on time, I can work dozens of contacts and tunnel/contact discriminations in five minutes. —Barb Davis $155.00 plus S&H (S&H is from $45-$75 in the U.S. depending on location. Please send us your zip code to determine costs.) Built by Barb’s husband, Jeff Davis. Contact him at: E. 22202 Vanetta, Newman Lake, WA 99025 PowerWM300@aol.com or 509-924-3110 For example, with Smudge, we can work on counterconditioning his overexcited response to agility situations by staying a distance from the ring before entering it and working on exercises and activities that elicit calm and thoughtful responses, rather than frantic and wild ones. Some possibilities include stationary positions, short stays, nose touches, and working on side positions close to the handler. Smudge would be highly reinforced for behaviors that are controlled and precise (the opposite of what his nature is pushing him to do!) The goal is to take his high level of internal arousal and focus it on his handler and the task at hand. Copper, on the other hand, needs counterconditioning for his nervous and worried reactions. Copper needs exercises and activities that encourage action and enthusiasm in agility situations. Some examples includes spins, speak, backing up, and chasing tossed treats. By participating in fun and exciting activities in training and at trials, Copper will come to associate agility with positive emotions rather than negative ones.The goal is to change his perception of agility from “scary” to “fun. ” © GREAT DANE PHOTOGRAPHY Lovin’ the tunnel since 1997 Heavy-Duty Straps Fully Adjustable Durable Aqualon Fabric A solid understanding of arousal levels can be extremely useful for dealing with dogs that go “over the top” or “shut down.” It is important to understand that our dogs are not choosing to act this way, they are reacting to external stimuli and their perceptions of those stimuli. If we want their responses to change, we need to educate ourselves on these processes in order to develop successful treatments. College level textbooks on learning and on motivation are excellent resources for further information. As always, have fun and stay focused! User-Friendly Handles D Deborah Jones, PhD, an assistant professor of psychology, specializes in social behavior and learning processes. Deb has written several books on clicker training, and helped develop the Clicker Fun video series. She is co-author (with Judy Keller) of the book In FOCUS: Developing a Working Relationship with Your Performance Dog, and a series of DVDs based on the book. Deb is currently enjoying agility with Smudge, the Sheltie, and her new BC-in-training, Zen. Contact her at www.k9infocus.com. The Original ™ www.tunnelbags.com 507-878-3155 64 Clean Run | July 08

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Clean Run Magazine - July 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - July 2008