Clean Run Magazine - March 2008 - 65

Dogwalk Jim is continuing to backchain the dogwalk. He has now switched Sweep from using the electronic target to a clear Plexiglas target because it is easier to fade the clear target out of the picture as we look toward fading it entirely. We’ve taught Sweep on the bottom ramp of the full-size dogwalk, or on a short board, supported on one end by a low table or stool. We’ve also introduced him to a low dogwalk so that he can hop up onto the side on his own, rather than be lifted up to the middle plank of the large dogwalk to practice targeting from all positions. Sweep moves quickly to his target to nose touch and is rewarded by our throwing a cookie to him or running in and delivering it to a specific position, depending on how he performed his targeting. Sweep has not yet been over the entire dogwalk, but before the month is over I believe he will be ready to do so. He has been introduced to the up ramp only in the context of the approach, as I wrote about in last month’s article. Before Jim introduces the full-size dogwalk, Sweep should be able to be sent the full length of the low dogwalk and quickly move to the end of the board to a two-on/two-off position and nose touch the ground without the target present. Our goal on the dogwalk this month is to be able to send Sweep the full length of the low dogwalk to his two-on/two-off position and to be able to move to a variety of positions, both lateral and forward of him, while he holds his target position. We also want to be able to stop short of the contact and have Sweep continue forward to his two-on/two-off position. Low dogwalk Low dogwalk Sweep is restrained and then released to the target with the word “Touch.” If you are using cues like “Ready, Ready” to pump up your dog before the release, hesitate slightly after you say them so that the cue “Touch” stands out on its own. Only add the word “Go” (as in “Go Touch”) if that is the specific cue you have taught your dog and you plan to use the full command “Go Touch” in the ring. Each time you release your dog to “Touch,” run to a different position after your dog leaves your side: Move laterally; move beyond the end of the dogwalk; and move forward then stop short and stay in position and wait for your dog to target before you move up to reward. Your dog should see you in many different positions as he finishes targeting. If you return to the dog to reward, go back out to your initial spot and release the dog from there. C toy Low dogwalk OR After Sweep touches and is rewarded with a tossed cookie, Jim asks him to touch again. He lowers his head to touch and is released forward to a toy in place at the end of the dogwalk, or a toy is thrown to the marked spot. Jim might also release him from the contact (OK, Break) and have Sweep come to him for a tug game. If Sweep is released forward to the toy, Jim expects him to retrieve it and come to him to play. Jim is careful to release Sweep only when his head is lowered to the target and he is facing forward. C If Sweep targets off to the side, his cookie is delivered to the opposite side so that he must overcorrect his position to be reinforced. If he ends up stretched too far forward he is rewarded between his front legs, back toward the board. March 08 | Clean Run 65
Clean Run Magazine - March 2008

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