Dog Training II: Same Method Used to Train Service Dogs

In this course, the second in a series of eight, students will continue working on the fundamentals of training their dogs to focus in order to shape behaviors. To emphasize the power of the methods employed, it is worthy to note that the methods taught in this course are the same ones used to teach service dogs. As with all training, each dog will learn at a different rate, which is to say that this course is designed with this in mind. That said, each week, students will be presented with essential information on how to train their dogs. The training technique(s) will be demonstrated, not just explained. In addition, students will have time for a brief Q and A at the end of each class. Students will learn the value of taking the time to build an excellent foundation; one from which to grow their dogs’ cognitive abilities.

At this point, the dog should know SIT, SIT-Stay, WAIT, COME, FOCUS, DOWN, PLACE, STAND, GET IT and LEAVE IT. The dog should SIT for leashing. The dog should be able to SIT-Stay at the entrances and exits. The dog should know a release cue. The dog should have started working on HEEL.

Weeks One-Two
Foundation: how and when to click [reviewed and strengthened]
Students will improve their use of a clicker in conjunction with rewards: basic treats, high-value treats, and jackpots. In order to appreciate the great value of using a clicker, students will watch a video clip that demonstrates the training process on people. Students will grow the value for PLACE (a boundary) to be used as a default behavior. For example: when the dog hears a knock at the door, it will go to its PLACE.

Weeks Three-Four
Foundational training: loading the clicker [reviewed and strengthened]
Students will continue learning to implement basic clicker training techniques to get their dog to understand that click = treat. And then, click = correct behavior, and then, 'good' (a continuation marker) means to continue to do the behavior. Students will start by using the clicker on a behavior that the dog already knows in order to begin growing the dog's ability to hold a position for a given amount of time.

Week Four: Special event
In the group session, there will be a demonstration of several fantastic games that the students can play with their dogs that teach dogs to be confident, independent, gritty, motivated, focused, and more.
Also, in week four, students can subscribe to the Training Academy, home of games based dog training, founded by Crufts Agility Champion (several years running), Lauren Langman and Vet Behaviorist, Tom Mitchel. It is here that students, if they subscribe, will have access to well over 200 hundred games that have been used to train championship level behaviors to all breeds of dogs. The cost is $40 per month. 

Weeks Five-Six
Foundational training: eye contact 
Students will learn a few essential training techniques, as well as work to use flexible thinking while in training mode. They will use these skills to teach their dogs to make eye contact. Eye contact will be utilized in teaching the dog to walk on a loose leash (WLL) and to HEEL.

Foundational training: increasing focus
Students will continue to use the same techniques learned in the previous lesson to teach their dogs to hold a position. The goal is to keep the engagement fun, while slowly increasing the duration of a given behavior.

Foundational training: adding distractions
Students will continue using the essential clicker training techniques to build their dogs’ confidence by increasing their dogs’ focus, comprehension, and duration while introducing distractions. Homework: make a short video of you working with your dog on its daily training routine amidst distractions.

Foundational training: outdoor distractions
Students will continue using essential clicker training techniques. Students will challenge their dogs’ ability to focus by taking the training outside. Students will learn, first hand, that once their dogs are able to hold eye contact, distractions, of various types, will not impede their dogs’ ability to focus. Students will be encouraged to take their dogs to stores such as LOWES, PETSMART, HOME DEPOT, a park, a veterinarian's office, etc.

Weeks Seven-Eight
Foundation training: working for a living
Students will teach their dogs to focus being taken for a walk, to play with a toy, to exit the house, etc. Students will work to keep the training sessions fun and engaging. Dogs will begin their extended work on PLACE and HEEL.

Foundation Training: calm, cool, and collected
Students will continue their work from the previous session teaching their dogs to focus/maintain eye contact for 5-10 seconds in order to be fed, to be taken for a walk, to play with a toy, to exit the house, etc. In addition, students will work on shaping behaviors: SIT, SIT-Stay, COME, PLACE, LLW, HEEL, DOWN amidst distraction while building duration. 
In addition, students will get a preview of work to be done in level 3 of this series: Targeting. This is a $20 value. It is included here as part of the package deal for returning students. 


Students will be evaluated as follows:
Participation
A: Student participates in all classes.
B: Student participates in almost all of the classes.
C: Student participates in most of the classes.
Notebook
A: Students takes detailed notes. The notes are organized. The notes can be used by someone else to learn about training one’s dog.
B: Students take fairly detailed notes. The notes are organized. The notes can be used by someone else to learn about training one’s dog.
C: Students take fairly detailed notes. The notes are somewhat organized. The notes can be used by someone else to learn about training one’s dog.
Training
A: Student is able to use the fundamentals of dog training to shape at least one behavior.
B: Student is able to use the basic fundamentals of dog training to teach his/her dog to maintain focus and to maintain eye contact for 5-10 seconds before being fed, going for a walk, getting a toy, etc.
C: Student is able to use the basic fundamentals of dog training to increase the focus/duration of eye contact of his/her dog

Note: This is the second course in a series of eight courses. This class meets twice a week for four weeks. 

Materials:
Clicker
Access to a dog to train
Notebook and pencil
Lots of treats
Two identical dog toys
Leash (6' and 20')