In January 2012 I started working at the local shelter as an official volunteer. This meant I am not getting their e-mails - and in the first week of January, there was a list in there with dogs needeing special attention - becuase they have been there too long. One of them is Flo.
Of course I am wondering: how do I work with dogs at the shelter ...say, 3-4 times a week - to make any difference?
First, meet Flo - Flo is a now 14 month old pittie mix who come to the shelter with her sister at 10 months of age. Both were strays. No issues, only on her kennel door she has a special sign: strong walker.
After having taken her out 3 times now - I think she is getting that label because she goes nuts when she realizes it is her turn to GET OUT. She is pretty calm when you approach, and she is fairly easily managed outside. However, once she knows it is her turn to get out, like if her kennel door gets opened ....or you go inside...she jumps and jumps and tries to push herself out. No point trying to get her attention (at this time). It is the walk to outside that is a challenge. Once outside ... she is a different dog again, though would love to run and play.
All that energy, wanting to run and play. Not really bonded.
Ok, I had read the Natural dog training book and re-read the loose leash walking sections. I also have been pushing with our rat terrier, so pushing is something I have some experience with. And I have seen good results also with the eye excercise.
First - once I have her outside and walk for a few minutes. I assessed her tolerance for touch, and her name recognition...offer her a few treats when she comes towards me....we spend some time walking and stopping. She is a friendly dog, soft, would love to run and play. The first 2 times the fenced side yard was not available, so I had to make do on the leash.
I decided to do the eye exercise as I saw on a video done by Kevin Behan. Flo "gets" it after the 3 rd time and seems to get better at it, looking at me right away and for longer periods of time, so much so that when she sees i might have a treat in my hand ...she just looks at me. I then try to tempt her and distract her more....but she easily looks at me again. NICE, I really like that exercise. Kevin Behan claims original ownership of it, though it has been incorporated in some form by other trainers.
There is a very good description of it here
I take a piece of treat (in this case chicken) and put it between my thumb and index finger. I eventually alternate which hand, starting with the one that makes it easier for me). I show it and let her smell it., then holt is as far away from me as I can. Flo looks at me pretty quickly and I zing her with it, saying yes....and then [petting her, saying good girl. After 3 times of this...the just looked at me. I periodically repeat the excercise, letting her look longer and longer at me, but still only a few moments. When the treat is bigger and smells good, I just let her smell it, rather that hold it with thimb and finger. It work well. The point of this way is:
The dog learns that it get's to the thing he wants ...the treat ...through the handler. The dog learns to focus on the handler. I really like that you can tell as the dog actually TURN THEIR head towards you and looks AT YOU ...not a treat somewhere by your face or eyes. It is a very different dynamic. Than having a treat in your hand and pointing with it in your face ...the dog looking at the treat. While I also did some minor pushing and name recognition work as well as, on day 3, assessed her ability and willingness to play tug - I really think this is a good exercise for anyone intending to bond with a dog.
This is not to recognize her name. I use another exercise for this.
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