[nagdu] Carrying

[Danielle Burton]

Hi everyone, 
I do agree with Vivianna about dogs relying on treats. Although, I do use treats with my dog, I don't do it consistently or feel the need to use them constantly. Sometimes I do and sometimes I dont and sometimes I don't have any at all. My dog will work with and without them. I do not mind treating a job very well done however, if I don't have any or do not treat my dog is also fine with just praise. I like to use treats for teaching a new location or new skill as it helps reinforce what I'm teaching but once the skill is mastered I don't always treat it. One thing I do treat fairly often but not consistently is curbs. Yes, my dog hardly ever runs a curb but to me it's even more crucial she stops at these as sometimes I may not hear how close I am to curbs because of hearing loss. I used to treat at all doors but hardly ever do that anymore nor do I do stairs anymore but I used to have to in order for her to take me to the handrail. I do like the idea of the dog not really knowing if they will always get a treat for something and that way sometimes they get it and sometimes they don't. I would not want a dog who stopped working because of not having treats. But  I have found that treats do help my dog and she doesn't get fixated on the treat and is calm about it appreciates the treat then continues guiding as if nothing happened. Some dogs are more distracted by the treats and some are not. IMy dog is more focused with the treats but if I forget them then there's no big deal about it as some dogs would have. I have intentionally left the treats home on a number of occasions to ensure that my dog does not become reliant on treats. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 30, 2015, at 10:39 AM, Tracy Carcione via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Yesterday, Krokus picked up a wad of napkin somewhere and carried it until
> I noticed and took it away from him.  But he didn't try to grab anything
> else while he had the paper.
> I knew a golden who liked to carry his leash in his mouth.  His person
> couldn't correct him, but it wasn't necessary.  His world was complete,
> and he didn't get distracted or try to scavenge while carrying his leash.
> I'm wondering if Krokus is golden enough to be equally satisfied carrying
> something.  I think he'd chew his leash, though.  I'm debating giving him
> a clean piece of paper towel to carry.  If he ate it, it wouldn't really
> hurt him, unlike some of the junk he picks up.  It wouldn't be
> particularly good for him, but it wouldn't be particularly bad, either.
> Has anyone given their cross or golden something to carry while working,
> and how'd it go?
> 
> I'm trying to get the puppy to stop scavenging.  I looked at basket
> muzzles on Amazon, but it the variety of sizes and styles was confusing,
> and I'm not crazy about the idea.  My school's advice, so far, is to
> correct him hard and make my displeasure very clear.  This could work,
> except I don't always catch him in the act.
> Tracy
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nagdu mailing list
> nagdu at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nagdu:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/danielleburton94%40gmail.com