(VICT) Re: Retrieve

  • From: "Dolores Arste" <darste2@xxxxxxx>
  • To: <vi-clicker-trainers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:30:36 -0400

Good day clicker trainers. I've recently joined this list and have been 
quietly lurking.
I'm a clicker trainer of horses. And, dogs sometimes.

I'm an equine student of Alexandra Kurland. And, a friend of Panda and Ann. 
Notice who I put first in that sentence. <smiles>
I joined this list because I've been asked to train a mini-horse as a guide. 
I've been thrilled at your conversations as I learn how you all handle the 
various scenarios around having a guide and your continued training is an 
inspiration.

On the subject of the retrieve but not my "stuff", I would recommend an 
exchange program. What you want, I think, is for the dog to retrieve things 
that you want him to retrieve and leave other stuff along. And, some of them 
are not doing the latter. What you want to do is to break this down. Let him 
retrieve anything as long as he brings it to you.
You then exchange it for something. His favorite toy perhaps.

What this does is make the dog feel like retrieving is ok. So, say if he 
brings you your underwear. You'd exchange that for a toy. If he brings you 
his toy, you'd exchange that for a treat. So, things that you don't want to 
have him retrieve, get lower value rewards. Things that you do want 
retrieved get higher value rewards. And, you can even
give higher value food rewards for retrieves of special stuff. A piece of 
kibble for bringing the toy. A piece of hotdog for finding your house keys. 
A toy for your shoes.

I hope this helps.

Warmly,
Dolores
www.zenhorsemanship.com
http://theeyesofmona.blogspot.com
 


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