[nagdu] Command Warm-ups

[Nicole Torcolini via nagdu]

I don't do obedience that much any more. If obedience became an issue, I
would. I stopped not long after coming home as Lexia was working well and
she was getting extremely bored with the obedience routine, trying to do
whatever command was coming next before I could say it.

What commands is he forgetting? Practice those commands, and, when he does
them correctly, have a party about it. If he likes treats, then give him
some treats. Of course, you should back off the treats at some point, but,
when you're just trying to get across that you want your dog to do
something, the treats often help.

When you say that he wants to leave, why does he want to leave? Does he
enjoy going places? Does he want to get away from something? You could try
"no" or "leave it" or something, and then reward for when he does. You could
also do a correction if you wanted, but I would still reward when he gets it
right. Unless nothing else is working, I try to avoid using just
corrections.

As far as getting him to get up and go when it is time, like others have
said, come up with some kind of signal. Lexia is very alert and pays close
attention to her leash. I actually have to tell her down sometimes because
she gets up when I pick up the leash just to rearrange it. Try a command or
some kind of noise and reward for it. Make it fun. Don't ever drag him out.

Finally, you need to talk to your school about the documentation
inaccessibility.

Nicole and Lexia

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kristen via nagdu
Sent: Monday, May 26, 2014 10:20 AM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nagdu] Command Warm-ups

Hi everyone--

How often do you do obedience with your guide, practicing and reviewing
commands? Also, how long do you spend on it, and what particular commands do
you go over?

When I was in training with Corvette last summer, they had us reviewing
commands every morning. I've done it sporadically over the school year, as I
thought he was doing well and had his commands down. Now, I began taking him
outside every morning for the last few days to warm up. I feel there are
some commands he could be more familiar with (maybe he's forgotten them or
just being lazy), and this has seemed to let him know that I am in control
and not to tug in whatever direction he chooses. (For example, if I am
walking outside and he sees cars, he will immediately tug that way, wanting
to get in one as fast as he can to leave. Another thing with Corvette is
trying to get him out from under things, such as desks, restaurant tables,
and out of the car. He's become a little stubborn, wanting to stay put when
I'm ready to leave.)

If he has forgotten or slacked on a command, any recommendations on how to
reteach or develop new ones?

Thanks for any suggestions/input! The school I attended, KSDS, has lots of
documentation; however, none of which is in Braille or an accessible format.
I would like to have this, as he is my first guide, and we're still getting
used to everything. I'm going to a retreat there this July to hopefully help
us fine tune a few skills.
--
Kristen

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