Trek and the Scary Piano

Using Control Unleashed mat work as a way to help Trek cope with being afraid of the sound of the piano.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• control unleashed
• corgi
• dog training
• noise phobia

[ellenclary]

Freeshapingjunkey, one thing I did with the guitar was to put it on the floor and have the dog target it (or just get closer), when she would do that I would touch it and then make very slight noises by lightly dragging a finger over a string.

For my partner Terri's rehearsals I just keep the dogs out of the room as the sessions can be pretty loud and it's a lot even for a dog not noise sensitive.

[ellenclary]

Not too long after this video I was able to move the mat closer so I could play and reward her right away. That was enough to get her past her fear and now she's essentially fine with the piano.

[ellenclary]

Apologies for letting the piano slip out of tune. :)

I want to note that the entire exercise is under Trek's control. At no point did I tell her to do anything. If it was too much, she could leave and almost does, but decides that it's worth it to face her fear to earn a treat-reward.

She's a pretty exceptional dog and a joy to work with.

Ellen

[freeshapingjunkey]

nice to see. i have a dog thats afrad of the guitar, and also very noise sensitive. he tends to shut dowt easely and goes to his crate, and refuses to come out. The guitar fell down from the wall while working on RP and he gets very susoicious in the beginning of the rehersal, ether he goes past that state of mind, and stays with me for relaxation,or he goes away ,ears back, into his crate....any advice?

[Orcaberbrandy]

Nice job. Keep up the great work.