Our job this week was to test our newly assigned dogs on all commands, and see "where they stand". Elyse, being part of the "E" litter, could potentially graduate this spring. While I would work hard regardless of her age or "rank" or chance of graduating, this reality places that much more importance on the work I am doing with this beautiful dog. I am thoroughly impressed with the work my classmate, Christine, did with Elyse. She is solid on so much of her command repertoire, and is simply a wonderful, sweet, smart, precious being.
Our assignment was then to come up with a training plan as to how we will address whatever we see needs improvement. This is what I came up with.
ELYSE:
Over all, I feel that Christine's summation of Elyse's progress is very close to (what I perceive to be) her current standing. She is a very capable dog, and I feel confident about her abilities in most areas.
The issues I see are as follows:
1. Elyse despises "dressing". She shies away from her harness, and will only "willingly" put on when lured with a treat.
2. Sometimes, when I ask Elyse to do a simple command, such as DOWN or GO IN, she simply doesn't do what I ask. I know this is not because she doesn't know what I am asking of her.
3. Elyse is extremely distracted by tennis balls! Amazingly, Christine trained her to WAIT until she is given permission to run after a tennis ball that has been thrown in the field. But if there is a ball in her midst, she has a hard time LEAVING IT.
4. Elyse is very sensitive about grooming. She doesn't like having her ears touched or cleaned. I have yet to try her nails, but have a feeling it will be difficult, based on what I remember hearing Christine say last semester, and also on what I know of Elyse thus far.
5. Elyse is EXTREMELY soft, sometimes almost to a fault. She has delicate sensibilities, and must be handled with great care. She can get a little jumpy at times.
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My TRAINING PLAN, as related to each of the aforementioned issues, is as follows:
1. I will continue trying to make dressing a positive experience for Elyse, maybe spending a whole ten or fifteen minutes working only on DRESS. I will use really high value treats, and reward her with a tennis ball throw when I see she is making progress.
2. I will continue using creativity and variation in the way I give commands, using different voice intonations, postures, etc. Here is a place where I also will test out the vibration collar, giving Elyse corrections when she doesn't do as she is asked.
3. I will work with Elyse (both inside and on the field), rewarding her for leaving tennis balls alone and turning her attention back to me.
4. I will use very high value treats when I try to do Elyse's nails next week...hot dogs, maybe, or brisket.
5. I will continue to work on building up Elyse's confidence. I will do this wielding the tools of patience, empathy compassion and love...in conjunction and balance with the provision of clear rules, boundaries and limitations, concise and consistent communication, and calm-assertive leadership. I will continue taking her for walks and runs, which will make her feel healthy, strong and proud. Often, we walk/run at night, which I believe fosters an even deeper sense of confidence than being out in the "safety" of daylight. I will expose her to everything, and expect the absolute most from her. I will honor exactly who she is as I learn to better communicate with her. I will give everything in my heart and mind to training Elyse, with the goal in mind of helping her graduate this spring!
