FredAl
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Feb 13, 2004, 5:55 PM
Post #10 of 36
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Re: [Ludoc] OB Training for Schutzhund
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When training a dog for any exercise, we need to provide it with information and motivation. When using the tug toy, that toy is the motivation. But what information can we provide it in heeling? The correct position. Let’s start from basics: Put a short leash on the dog (2 - 4 feet so it’s easier to handle). Show the dog that you have the tug toy as you walk toward the training field. For the highly driven dog, put the toy in your right rear pocket or a holster in that location. For the low to medium driven dog, walk toward the field while holding the toy with your right hand but tucked toward your elbow. Give the command, “foos” or “heel”, then start walking in a brisk manner while continuously talking to and guiding your dog to the correct position. If he’s crowding you say, “ahhk” (a gentle no), while you pop the lead back. As soon as he is in the right position, say “good foos” and immediately reward him with a tug game and release the toy for him to savor the reward. But you should still be holding on to his leash as you run with him in a circle while he proudly struts his stuff. Once he has released his excited energy, command him to sit, pet him calmly (long gentle strokes) then “aus” so he releases the toy. “Good aus”! (praise in an excited manner), slip the toy behind you (or hold with right hand for low to medium drive dogs) and proceed with another heel command into an animated fast walk (gets the dog’s drive up again). Repeat the exercise, making sure that you praise and reward him the instant he is in the correct heel position. You can keep doing the heel exercises until the dog is at the height of his drives. Then quit. You now provided your dog with the right information: “you will be rewarded with the toy or a game of tug when you are at the correct heeling position.” The dog will always push us to release the toy for him or to play tug with him. But we have to make him realize that we will only reward him if and when he is doing the right behavior. So he will keep offering the right behavior – in this case, the correct heeling position. Timing of the reward is the vital factor. This type of training is also classified under operant conditioning: Behavior that is rewarded will be repeated; behavior that is ignored or corrected tends not to be repeated. ____________________________________ Beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of man without his vices.
(This post was edited by FredAl on Feb 13, 2004, 5:59 PM)
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