[nagdu] motivation update

[Julie J]

I thought I'd update yawl on my efforts to motivate Monty on the trip to work.

I tried the dog and cat noises.  the first time he stopped at looked up at me.  I imagine he thought I'd gone right round the bend.  Subsequent animal noises got no acknowledgement what-so-ever. 

I tried varying the route as much as possible.  This helps a bit, until we get close and he figures out what's up.  

I tried treats, just the ordinary ones though.  I need to get some dehydrated meat or something that won't spoil for a higher value treat.  The treats seem to inspire him for about 6 feet.  I'm not giving up on them altogether though.  I think if I had something extremely tasty that I brought out only on rare occasions it might be more motivating.

I tried petting him while walking, but I'm not very coordinated.  also he was a bit unsure about what I was doing.  It felt clumsy and awkward.  I don't think this will work for us.

What I did find that works pretty well is something I used when I was training him.  I stop and invite him to jump up.  I then rub his head and neck vigorously.  Not a conventional reward/motivator for a guide dog, but it works amazingly well.  I have no idea what I'll do if it rains again.  I can't show up to work with muddy footprints on the front of my shirt! *smile*  For the moment it's working and I'm content.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions!  It helped me to really think about what motivates him.

Julie