Relaxation Protocol from Dr. Karen Overall - Day #1

Well.... Griff and I basically BOMBED the day 1 of the relaxation protocol. I had no idea this would be so difficult! I spend so much time teaching him tricks, games, high energy thinking that he needs... and everything about the RP is the exact opposite. This will definitely take some time. Any suggestions on how to get him to turn off the working mode, to "work" on the RP would be greatly appreciated! He turns on and off easily at home... "work/play" and "sleep/nap/relax" are definitely things he does. He is NOT a dog who is on the go at all times. But when I bring out treats, clicker and start a training session, he is SO on.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Karen Overall
• Relaxation Protocol
• Control Unleashed
• Mat Work
• relaxation training

[klwycoff123]

Thanks for the encouragement Kathy! I know it's so valuable, so I am going to persist! 

[mrsyardbroom]

I have a hyperactive OTT collie and we're on day 2. It really seems to be helping. I don't use a clicker or have treats visible and I reward when Sasha is fully relaxed. If she starts to wind up I use massage to calm her down and relax her again. I got someone to show me how to do relaxation massage around a dog's head and this helps a lot. I think it's important not to reward when a dog starts to get wound up but rather reward for relaxing. It's great to see videos of dogs doing RP.

[tailspinpetworx]

I haven't worked the protocol..which is why I was searching for it..but I just wanted to say if Griff gets overexcited when the food and clicker show up that you may need to work on desensitizing him to the presence of the clicker/bait bag..so that he doesn't think it's "work time" until you cue him it's work time.

Also, I'm curious...what breed is Griff? I'm thinking BC but unsure...he's really lovely looking.

[bordergirlsmom]

We love relaxation protocol here! I think it is such an important thing to have dogs understand that not moving can also be working too, and that in some situtions relaxation is what you want-fantastic info for doggies to get, but not easy when they are used to offering a lot ;-). Kathy with Lizzie/Breeze/Cricket