2-2-2022 Week 3, Day 3 Hannah's Training. Roxanne handler today

Week 3 has a LOT of new training. It is a critical week as once a dog completes the Week 3 EXAM # 2 (yes, there are 2 EXAMS this week), they internalize the training. So, the dog starts to take responsibility for where it is in relationship to the handler as they CHOOSE comfort/relationship/close to handler OR discomfort/break in bonding/away from their handler. It's a vitally important week and if a student is going to quit, it's here at Week 3. So, remember to breathe and know you CAN do this with your dog and do it well.

First lesson of Week 3 is the Heeling Post. Hannah has already, more than once, been 'caught' by the Heeling Post so I doubted if she'd be unwise again to make that poor of a choice.  Here's what we did:

Then I set up part of the PVC pipes, as an introduction, since Hannah is several days ahead of Kara and Nellie in her training. Today was THE day for her to experience those 'pipes' and what happens when she knocks on over.

 

 Next, introducing the formal Sit/Stay

I knew Hannah's Stack Stand was her weakest point of understanding right now, so I opted to work on it formally today. Also worked on RAT (Right About Turn) and EF (Exercise Finish).  

 Hannah needed MORE Stack Stand work and she got better when I worked her in the prior video so I knew I could do another Stack Stand training in this same session at the park. And do notice Hannah gets BETTER the more I work her.  

 So, I went ahead and did the Week 3 EXAM # 1: Body Bend Readiness Test to see if she COULD pass. And she did-:)  

 Onward to Ace hardware before class today. Worked on Pace changes  

 Distraction training

The employees were fixing something and making a terrible 'clunking' sound.  Hannah spooked a few times, but I helped her accept she could maintain her Sit/Stay and not panic.

NOW, this was a genuine challenge. Hannah had never been inside a public restroom, nor a stall. Took some doing but she settled.

She was NOT comfortable in the women's restroom. Need to take her there again.

Then, we heard children's voices and smelled food being fried so off we went. What a FABULOUS training opportunity!!! Kids, strangers, food and noise!  

 And then there was this GREAT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY....

"REALLY?"

Onward as we were losing time at Ace Hardware.

Dog food aisle is always a great distraction training destination

Gotta hurry and go..BUT WAIT, A CURB WHICH IS A PERFECT PLACE TO DO THE STACK STAND AGAIN OUTSIDE WITH CARS AND PEOPLE AND STUFF HAPPENING!

and a truck pulled up with two guys, Hannah was at full attention!

AND HELD HER STACK STAND!

Time to head to class, it's getting late.

She held her Sit/Stay even as this car passed her.

Hannah was my 'demo dog' in class today.

Demo dog in class is actually mentally fatiguing. 

AND officially Hannah gave it up, curled into a ball, and said, "I AM D.O.N.E.

All in all, today was a fabulous day for Hannah