Do you have an impulsive dog with tons of energy but no idea how to focus it? Does your dog find more value in self-entertaining than in engaging with you? Do you find yourself frustrated in training class at your dog's lack of attention? Does your dog have issues with stays, waiting on on recalls, or any other exercise that demands self control?
Join successful OTCH/MACH/HC trainer Nancy Gagliardi Little in this critically important class, and learn how to develop the focus that is so important in our competition dogs. Learn how to set up a training session for success, develop games to help your distracted dog focus, and recognize the difference between drive and energy. Learn what YOUR responsibilities are, both in training and in public. Develop a plan to help your dog understand that self control can lead to exciting fun games.
This class is suitable for dogs 6 months or older, any breed or temperament of dog, and is open to dogs in all sports!
This class uses Susan Garrett's "Crate Games" as the foundation platform and applies this framework to build impulse control into various exercises in obedience and/or agility.
Registration
Next class session starts: December 01, 2014
Registration starts: November 22, 2014 10am PST
Registration ends: December 15, 2014
For answers to commonly asked questions see our FAQ page.
Enrollment limits: Gold: 12 students, Silver: 25 students, Bronze: unlimited. If you are interested in bronze level, you can sign up any time during the registration period.
Syllabus
Week 1
Introduction
Baseline video
How to Handle Mistakes
Counter Conditioning Crate Exits
Testing the Value
Is Your Dog Ready to Work
Starting Sends
Brief Crate Stays
Week 2
Adding Duration to Crate Stays
Adding Distractions to Crate Stays
Adding Distance to Crate Sends
Adding Distance to Crate Stays
Crate Recalls
Week 3
Going In/Out Doors
Varying the Distance on Crate Sends
Varying the Distance on Crate Recalls
Varying the Distance with Distractions on Crate Stays
Starting Stays out of the Crate
Week 4
Testing the Release
Varying Distance on Out Of Crate Stays
Adding Distractions to Out Of Crate Stays
Adding Distractions to Crate Recalls
Varying Quiet Duration on Crate Stays
Starting Out Of Crate Recalls
Engagement Game #1
Week 5
Adding Distractions with Duration to Out Of Crate Stays
Adding Distractions to Out Of Crate Recalls
Varying Quiet Duration on Out Of Crate Stays
More Recall and Sending Games
Engagement Game #2
Week 6
Varying Distractions, Duration, and Distance on Out Of Crate Stays
Varying Quiet Duration and Distance on Out Of Crate Stays
Increased Distractions and Varied Distance on Out Of Crate Recalls
Testing The Release on Out Of Crate Recalls
Engagement Game #3
Prerequisites and Equipment
In order to set the framework for impulse control for your dogs, we will be spending some time teaching them some fun foundation games in their crates, which will be transferred to the floor.
It is important that the crate size is right for your dog. Either a wire crate or plastic crate will be needed. I prefer the wire crates because they are easier for you to see the dog, but the plastic crates work just as well. Make sure that the crate is big enough for your dog – bigger is better than a little small. It is CRITICAL that your dog can sit in the kennel comfortable and have a bit of room above their head.
There should be minimal cover on the floor of the kennel – no bedding. I like to have a solid flat piece of carpet or bath mat on the bottom. This prevents your dog from slipping when he comes out or goes into the kennel.
