Clean Run Magazine - September 2006 - 74

If your dog seems to be stuck at any given level, ask someone From the
authors of the IN FOCUS book, whose opinion you trust and respect to
observe how you work with your dog. Often, an observer can easily spot a
small mistake a new DVD video or error that may be causing the problem.
You might even ask someone else to click for you. Again, be sure you trust
and respect this person's training abilities. Do you... Beyond Shaping Have
a dog that is fast, but very inconsistent? Your goal is to get your dog
turned on to the joy of tug. To do this, you want to phase out clicking
and treating and let the fun Have a dog that is soft and quick to shut
down of tug be its own reward. At the same time, you need to add if the
conditions aren't exactly perfect? some more active play to your tugging
sessions. A slight tap or Envy other dog and handler teams that seem push
on your dog's shoulder or hip while tugging can increase to work together
in perfect harmony? his arousal level and his tugging intensity. Use your
tug word or phrase in a low and excited voice while tugging. You can even
Struggle to keep your dog's attention and add some light growling noises
if you are not feeling too self- to keep him interested? conscious! Above
all, keep it light and playful. You don't want Have to fight to keep your
dog on the course that to overwhelm your dog and shut him down. the judge
designed and that you want him to do? then you need to get IN FOCUS and
get your dog in the game with you. COURTESY OF DEBORAH JONES You can
intensify your dog's interest in tugging by incorporating some chase
activity. Bring out the tug object, use your word or phrase, and encourage
your dog by moving the object erratically on the ground in front of him.
Make sure you move the object slightly away from your dog, not toward him.
Your manner needs to be exciting while you encourage your dog to get the
object and tug lightly with you. You can also encourage your dog to run
toward you by running away to catch the object. When he grabs the tug
object, praise lavishly while tugging lightly. Above all, keep tug
sessions short and exciting. Don't keep going until your dog loses
interest. You want to stop while he is really engaged in the game. Then,
the next time you bring the tug object out, your dog will display even
more interest. Remember, tug is supposed to be a mutually enjoyable game.
Display a positive and happy attitude whenever you are initiating tug
sessions with your dog. If you're happy, odds are your dog will be happy,
too! D Deborah Jones, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychology,
specializes in social behavior and learning processes at Kent State
University's Stark Campus. Having written several books on clicker
training, Deb helped develop and produce the Clicker Fun video series. She
is co-author with Judy Keller of In Focus: Developing
http://www.cleanrun.com http://www.k9infocus.com
Clean Run Magazine - September 2006

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