[NAGDU] Finding Dropped Items

[Julie Johnson]

I taught this a bit different, basically just shaping natural 
tendencies.   I noticed that my dog would immediately go to something 
out of place or new that he hadn't noticed before.  I paired this 
natural behavior with a phrase.  I use, "find it".  Then give praise 
when he went to it. My dog does a nose target, which I found to work 
just fine and so I continue to use that.  He does not pick up random 
objects, so that was not a worry for me.

Later I set up situations with objects that I had placed in a known 
location and then called him to find it.  I used a lot of verbal 
encouragement and praise.  When he found the thing he got more praise, 
pats and acknowledgement.  I don't remember using clicker and treats to 
teach this, but I may have at some point. I did try to teach a retrieve 
at some point, but gave up because he absolutely refused to pick up 
anything that he didn't recognize as his.  We had a lot of problems when 
he was a puppy with chewing up stuff, so I spent a lot of time teaching 
him to only chew on his things.  I guess he took that to heart.  Of 
course every dog is different and it is quite possible that with more 
time I could have taught him a retrieve.  Finding things on the floor 
was really what I needed so I stopped with just locating objects.

I think  Danielle's method would work also.           is a lot more 
methodical  and systematic.  I do try to have training plans and teach 
things step by step, but then life happens and we end up using the fly 
by the seat of your pants method.

Oh, I should add the find it is something that I only use at home or in 
a hotel room, out of harness and off leash.  Monty will not find objects 
on the floor when working in harness.

Good luck!
Julie
http://www.guide-and-service-dogs.com




On 5/22/2017 7:38 PM, Danielle Sykora via NAGDU wrote:
> I taught my dog how to find dropped items, by putting his paw on or
> near the object. Here's the outline of how I taught this, using the
> clicker.
>
> 1: Start with one object (I think I used an index card or some kind of
> paper/cardboard). Hold it in your hand, show it to the dog, and click
> and treat when the dog paws it. My dog tried nosing the object,
> mouthing it, and barking in frustration before he finally got it.
> 2: Once your dog paws the object reliably, put the command to it, (I
> used "get it"). Make sure the dog reliably paws the object when you
> give the command.
> 3: Drop the object right in front of the dog from just a few inches
> off the ground. Tell the dog "get it", and click and treat for pawing
> the object.
> 4: Drop the object from higher off the ground, but still in front of the dog.
> 5: start dropping the object progressively further away from the dog.
> 6: Temporarily pair the "get it" and "stay" commands. This way, the
> dog will paw the object and then stay there until you come over to
> pick it up. Release the dog from the stay only after you pick up the
> object. Eventually, you can drop "stay" and just say "get it".
> 7: Start practicing  with a variety of different items.
>
> **In the initial stages, make sure to use something that is easy to
> hear when your dog's paw makes contact with it.
>
> Danielle and Thai
>
>
> On 5/22/17, Rachel Grider via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Hello, All:
>>
>> Awhile ago, there was a discussion about teaching dogs to fetch, and
>> someone  on this list (I don't remember who) talked about teaching a
>> guide dog how to find dropped items--not necessarily how to pick them
>> up, but just to find them by touching the item. I would like to learn
>> more about training my guide dog to do that. Does anyone have
>> information about this?
>>
>> Thank you!
>>
>> Rachel
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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/dsykora29%40gmail.com
>>
> _______________________________________________
> 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/julielj402%40gmail.com