Articles Day 2

Millie has really caught onto the idea of showing me the article. At 4:30 this morning, before coffee,   I was having a lot of trouble coordinating the articles, clicking at the right time, and rewarding promptly without losing control of the bowl of kibble. But she is a smart and eager pupil, and I am excited about how quickly she caught on.

Back to it again next Monday.



Comments

  1. JudiFebruary 14, 2025 at 5:23 AM

    Woohoo!!! So many good things!!! A quiet Ralph! Less pointing (let’s get to zero), decidedly more purpose on her part. And, confirmation that prior to yesterday she had no idea about articles.
    Next: replace one of those 2 articles with a different one. Each session, one article is repeated, one is new. She is offering a down—a LOT. Humor me please. Do exactly what you are doing, but when you place the food on the article, keep your hand closed, palm down on the article. SAY NOTHING-DONT MOVE THE HAND. Down appears to be her default behavior, I suspect will offer it pretty quickly. MAKE SURE YOU DONT MOVE UNTIL AFTER SHES INDICATED—so nose touch (you can click as you’ve been doing—again, at the intention to touch [nose going towards article] not when she’s already done it and is pulling away) and THEN move your hand to the article. So exactly what you’ve been doing, except you aren’t releasing the treats. When she downs (or is in the process of doing so) release the treats and pull away.

    If that goes well, one or 2 sessions should let us see what she thinks, we will move you onto an ottoman or low stool/box/chair.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ralph HattoxFebruary 14, 2025 at 6:00 AM

      Thanks again, Judi! I know I want to bring a variety of articles into the rotation, replacing one with something new each time. (Actually I replaced the wallet from yesterday with a leather square today.) I am really looking forward to trying the next step as you describe it. I think she's offering down from a distant memory from obedience class. Now I'd love to associate that behavior with finding articles.
      Can't wait to get off the floor!

      Delete
  2. Jack's JourneyFebruary 14, 2025 at 5:56 AM

    What a great game you two play! She is soooo happy to work for food, to have you all to herself and to make you click! Games for the win!!

    ReplyDelete

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