Day 11

Day 11

Jenny Proctor LukEli K-9

You'll hear me talk a lot about using rewards while training dogs. A reward is something that is presented after a behavior that then increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated. Rewards can be anything the dog desires, from food(treats) or toys to functional rewards. One way functional rewards can be defined is as a reward that the dog is seeking in that moment. Some examples:

• Dog wants to exit the house. You ask Dog to sit before opening the door. The reward for Dog waiting for you to release them? Being allowed to go outside!
• Dog wants to scare off the delivery person. Dog barks, delivery person leaves. Dog thinks barking caused person to leave. Dog is rewarded for barking.
• Dog jumps on people seeking attention. People react to the jumping. Dog is rewarded with attention for jumping, regardless of whether the attention was positive or negative.
• Dog is fearful of people. People can use their movements and use of release of pressure to reward dog with social space. 

Functional rewards are the most versatile and readily available way to reward your dog in day to day life. They're also extremely useful when it comes to rehabilitating dogs with behavioral issues, which brings me to:

Hank. I have used this technique extensively while interacting with him. Whether it was turning away from him as he approached to let him know that I don't want a confrontation (dog language) so that he felt comfortable coming closer or reduction of social pressure through the use of the long line (allowing him the distance he needs from me) so he would go on a walk, these small every day interactions have all added up to some major advances! Hank now allows me to scratch his butt, pet his head and shoulders, will tolerate my attaching and detaching the long line outside, goes for a walk on the long line with very limited use of treats, and approaches new people in the house fairly readily (though does not tolerate touching by them just yet). He is still VERY uncomfortable being touched or approached from behind. He's certainly not thrilled with new environments. I still can't walk him on a 6 ft leash. He could easily slide way backwards in the wrong situation, even with an experienced and knowledgeable handler. Unfortunately we can't control all the stimulus in a given environment which is why it's crucial that Hank learn the skills necessary to cope with all the newness that will come his way. He's got a ways to go to get there but he has come so far already. I can't wait to see what new breakthrough he'll make tomorrow.

All I can say is 

Go Hank Go!