(VICT) Re: Task ideas- Feedback?
- From: "Diane & Raven" <dlshotwell2@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <vi-clicker-trainers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2007 21:26:11 -0400
oops...some how the end of this is missing.... trying again...
I already wrote:
I have been searching for the tail tuck information I promised and was unable
to find it in my files.
this is how I would teach it.... if you use the clicker principals of breaking
any behavior into the smallest pieces before teaching. Than you take those
tiny pieces and teach each one so that the piece is solid and reliable before
moving on to the next piece of the behavior so that you have a strong
foundation. Back-chaining is the process of teaching the end of the behavior
first and moving to the beginning of the behavior. this sets the dog up for
success because the dog always knows what comes next.
the process isn't mystical, the magic is in the patience, frequency of marking
and rewarding, timing and generosity with marking and rewarding when building a
behavior. And also not lumping... Lumping is the term used when you take too
big of a piece or pieces of the behavior. lumping happens from inexperience
and sometimes excitement at well and quickly the dog responds and so the
handler tries to move ahead too quickly too fast.
This was missing from the last post: (a cyber gremlin in chewing on it
somewhere! smile)
For a tail tuck while in a down: when the dog is relaxed and focus on you, use
your the palm of your hand to *smooth* the dogs tail firm where it is attached
to the body and slowly smooth it against the body down between the legs. When
you get the tail in the tuck position click and reward. Repeat this a few
times. You will notice the dog will begin to tuck the tail as you touch the
top of the tail where it is attached to the body, at this time capture this
tucking behavior without smoothing down the body and click and reward. When
this is consistent and reliable with a gentle touch to the base of the tail add
the cue *tuck* or what you decide to use. You will find that after a short
number of repetitions the dog will begin to tuck the tail as you say the word
and reach for the base of the tail or tap the base of the tail. The movement
of an open palm toward the base of the tail becomes the hand signal when
accompanied with the cue. and eventually just the cue.
Timing is important, start in a quiet no distraction area, only a session of a
few minutes a few times a day will do it. Don't rush it, be patient. Be sure
the dog is relaxed and focused on you when teaching. Use a high value treat to
begin the behavior, and as the behavior is learned you can stop the clicking
and use a verbal marker such as yep or yes!. When the behavior is reliable you
will vary the food reward and use a verbal reward in it's place.
I would teach the standing tail tuck in the same manner. As I said my dogs are
Stnd Poodles so no long tails to tuck. If some one teaches this behavior
please share with us how it works best for you.
And if I missed any steps in my break down and someone can break it down into
smaller pieces please do so... I would be interested too.
Hope you find this helpful....
Important note: you can also help to reinforce and condition this behavior by
capturing a natural tail tuck that a dog offers and mark and reward it.
Best Wishes & Wags,
Diane & Raven
APDT#72225
http://AssistanceDogJournal.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Golden_Paw_ADC/
"My Assistance Dog is not my whole life, but she makes my life whole"
~D.L.Shotwell
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
~Anatole France
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