Clean Run - September 2014 - 44

like to play at a close proximity to you,
while others prefer a little more space.
So how can we ensure that we give our
dogs enough space? I watch the dog and
try to encourage some fast and fun interaction. If the dog is cautious or lets go of
the toy easily, I try to play with longer
toys, with some "give" in them, to allow
the dog to play at a more comfortable
distance from me. I also play an on-leash
game where I reel in the dog a bit, and then
as a reward for keeping hold of the tug
and playing in my space, I unreel the dog
and let him play at a greater distance from
me as a reward. Be aware of the dog you
are working and your presence. When I
am playing with my dogs, I'm aware that
I have a big presence and a strong personality, so I try to make sure I help keep
them feeling actively engaged with me.
At this stage, I try to keep the toy attached
to me. I play shared holding games and
I want to see the dog interacting without
too much thought at the early stages. So
I take away the option of the dog running
off with the toy.

Interacting With a Retrieve Object
Retrieve can be taught in so many different ways. It can be shaped, captured,
mimicked, and lured. I like to see if the

dog has a natural tendency to retrieve, as
some breeds and types of dogs really do.
However, if not, I work very quickly on
getting the dog to put the object in my
hands. When doing this, I like to work in
a small space like the study, garden shed,
or a bathroom. An environment without
distractions and/or a long line can come
in handy to stop the dog rehearsing what
you don't want. Assess your dog's retrieve
today. What does he do when he gets his toy? Does he retrieve all toys, including the
fluffy ones? If he brings the toy back, does he put it in your hand?

Working Without a Visible Toy or Treat
So many dogs are interested only in work or games when the handler actually has a toy
or treat in her hands. Have you ever attempted to show someone a trick you have been
teaching and then said, "Hang on a second, I need to get some treats so I can show
you?" We need to move above and beyond this and get to the stage where our dogs
want to work with us and will work with or without a visible toy or treat. We want the
behaviors to happen because the behavior has value and because the dog wants to do
the behavior for and with us, not simply due to the presence of the reward.
I like to play games like the "mouse game" from my Pup2Perfection DVD or Susan
Garrett's It's Yer Choice game. When my dog is at the thoughtful stage, where he is
ready to work for the reward rather than just obsess about it, I start to place the toy
or food suitably away from me and ask the dog to do a basic behavior. The behavior
can be anything that the dog knows well: sit, stand, left, right , etc. As soon as the dog
performs the behavior, I reward him with either a tossed Frisbee, food, or a placed toy.
This way my dog learns to work around the rewards and get the work done before he
sees the reinforcer. Now how much fun is that?
Happy play time! Do your homework and I will see you next month.

Lauren has been training dogs internationally for many years with a knowledge spanning all canine disciplines. Lauren competes in agility at grade 7, the highest level
of competition in British agility, with all of her dogs, and was chosen to represent Great Britain in the FCI Agility World Championship in 2006 and 2007. She has qualified
for the Olympia Agility finals every year from 2007-2013! Lauren is known for her creative and motivational training techniques with performance dogs as well as her
insight into problem solving. Lauren teaches worldwide, from Canada to Scotland, as well as designs and develops the Devon Dogs' classes, workshops, and events.
She recently released her highly successful DVD on foundation puppy training, Pup2perfection. Contact Lauren at contact@devondogs.co.uk.

With Janita & Jaakko

Clean Run | September 14

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Clean Run - September 2014

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