Course Details
Every sport dog trainer knows that to be successful, their dog needs to perform as well in a new location as they do at home. So why do so many trainers struggle to get their dog to do this? Often, it's a lack of fluency, the ability of the dog to do something with ease and accuracy. This class will show you how to get fluency by teaching your dog how to perform under distracting conditions. If your dog can learn how to win reinforcement, and how to fight for it despite challenges, then you will be a truly successful team.
Registration
Next class session starts: October 01, 2014
Registration starts: September 22, 2014 11am PST
Registration ends: October 15, 2014
Enrollment limits: Gold: 15 students, Silver: 25 students, Bronze: unlimited. If you are interested in bronze level, you can sign up any time during the registration period.
For answers to commonly asked questions see our FAQ page.
Syllabus
Week 1:
What is Fluency and why do you need it in your training program?
Why do most positive trainers avoid distraction training?
How to break down proofing and pressure so that your dog enjoys the training.
Thinking about what to proof, when is a good time to start when training a new behavior? Momentum.
Homework: How strong is that behavior?
Week 2:
How fast to progress?
How to ask you dog if this is still fun.
Keeping reward rate high
Data, keep track!
Homework: Same old place, new look.
Week 3:
What does your data say?
How to plan your next session.
Which direction to go? Environment? Distraction? Time?
Continue asking the dog.
Homework: New place, what is the answer?
Week 4:
Modifying your plan.
Length of training session.
How often? Should all your training include some sort of proofing?
What happens if things go wrong?
Homework: New place, slight change in picture.
Week 5:
When do you know if your dog is fluent?
How much fluency do you need?
How to use fun matches to your benefit.
The rat is always right!
How stringent should you be on criteria when proofing?
Homework: New place, larger change in stimulus picture. Assesment by students of dog’s progress.
Week 6:
Time to fly!
Think about what you want to accomplish in each session.
Building from session to session.
Making sure the training stays enjoyable for both members of the team.
Is it o.k. to have just a fun training day?
Homework: Show me what you have! Student comes up with plan to train, and implements and then assess what happened and why. Next training plan is made.
Prerequisites and Equipment
This class has no prerequisites or special equipment required.
