Amanda put a Rally Advanced title on River, finishing his third leg at the Lancaster KC show in Lebanon. A nice show to do so, as they provide a title finishing rosette, so we had a professional photo taken as well.
She was almost embarrassed to raise her hand during awards as having finished - his score was 73 (70 is the minimim) and she certainly did not think they had qualified when they left the ring. I didn't believe it until I checked the posted score myself. He certainly did not act like the dog she had been training. He was distracted from the moment they entered the ring. He left her at least twice - once to visit the stuffed dog distraction and another time to wag his tail at a young child ringside. Amanda worked very hard to get him back - everything but singing and dancing. I was surprised that the judge did not excuse them. And looking back, perhaps Amanda should have asked to be excused. But, she was persistant and the very kind judge rewarded that. She lost points for redoing signs and probably out of position, but he didn't leave the ring, he did do the exercises, although not well, so....
Now, the question is how to handle this going forward. Is he ringwise and won't work because he knows there is no food and no corrections in the ring or was he having a bad day? What kind of training can overcome this?
Attention work was suggested to us, but another trainer thinks he has excellent attention. Still another suggested working with treats not on person - going to get them after an exercise or 2 and gradually working up the length of time, keeping it random, making a big deal of "let's go get treats". I guess this is the "jackpot" method and I think Amanda wants to try this. Plus lots of on leash training. Excellent level is off leash also, plus has restrictions on clapping, slapping your leg and the added challenge of the honor exercise. Amanda wants to avoid the potential distractions of outdoor shows; so the next possibilities are in July. Plenty of time to prepare!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Driving a Power Chair
Pink Girl was test driving a power chair at this past week's visit. First her therapist tried to get her to walk over to the chair. She encouraged her to walk River - one of his leashes draped over her walker while I held the shorter one. Not much cooperation, so she was "helped" to get there.
Power chair driving is way more fun. I think this was only her second time in the chair and as this is not her personal chair, some adjustments had to be made. Finally she was off and moving. Still learning to steer, but clearly enjoying herself, she headed down the hallway. She was able to raise her self up to look in the pool window; later she could lower herself to give River a drink - these are the kinds of things we tend to take for granted.
River was not at all fazed by the chair 's movement or sound, gotta love his adaptability - we did have to keep an eye on his tail - as she moves so much faster, the chance of it getting caught increases. We found it helpful to tell her to aim the joystick at River and his bright yellow vest (yes, he finally has one). This helped to keep her straight and encouraged her to sit upright and minimized bumping the wall as we headed down the hallway.
Power chair driving is way more fun. I think this was only her second time in the chair and as this is not her personal chair, some adjustments had to be made. Finally she was off and moving. Still learning to steer, but clearly enjoying herself, she headed down the hallway. She was able to raise her self up to look in the pool window; later she could lower herself to give River a drink - these are the kinds of things we tend to take for granted.
River was not at all fazed by the chair 's movement or sound, gotta love his adaptability - we did have to keep an eye on his tail - as she moves so much faster, the chance of it getting caught increases. We found it helpful to tell her to aim the joystick at River and his bright yellow vest (yes, he finally has one). This helped to keep her straight and encouraged her to sit upright and minimized bumping the wall as we headed down the hallway.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Pink Girl Makes a Tunnel
Leaning into a large exercise ball, the therapist encouraged her to straighten her arms, making a tunnel for River to go "under" between her and the ball. He was happy to comply and Pink Girl laughed as his tail tickled her when he zipped through. That idea I learned at the last KPETS roundtable was successfully put into action at this session. We also did the usual: having her hold the hula hoop (with Amanda on the other side) for him to jump, a crawling competition, squeezing his water bottle to give him a drink, having River "play/paw" the piano - which always must be followed by Pink Girl's more melodious piano efforts. Walking wasn't as successful - we offered walking him on leash, chasing his tail with the walker wheels, tricks as a rewards for steps, distracting conversation (guess River's age) but there were more tears than steps.
River wore his new KPETS bandana embroidered with his name. She admired that, but did try to use the bandana to pull him which I tried to discourage. She hasn't done that with other bandanas. There were sweet moments, too - she enjoyed a few kisses and she gave him a hug. Overall much of the session was positive; as her therapist said - she really "goes up and down" in mood and degree of cooperation.
River wore his new KPETS bandana embroidered with his name. She admired that, but did try to use the bandana to pull him which I tried to discourage. She hasn't done that with other bandanas. There were sweet moments, too - she enjoyed a few kisses and she gave him a hug. Overall much of the session was positive; as her therapist said - she really "goes up and down" in mood and degree of cooperation.
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