Amika the 2yo GSD is just starting on the Relaxation Protocol written by Dr. Karen Overall. This is a foundation for overcoming her anxiety when in new places or seeing other dogs. The RP is being done on a mat, as described in "Control Unleashed" by Leslie McDevit. This was done after a play session under the hose, hence the panting and damp look.
beautiful dog. just to clarify, the relaxation protocol comes from Dr Karen Overall and is recommended in my book Control Unleashed (tm) but the actual protocol is not included. Karen's protocol is in her book, Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals.
the relaxation protocol isn't mat work either--there are four specific steps of Control Unleashed mat work and they do not include the relaxation protocol although all CU students are encouraged to use their mats for the protocol as well.
LeslieMcDevitt 3 years ago