Clothier Jumping Method: Week 3, Lesson 2

WOW! Tons of distractions out there today! Fred is there with the camera and tripod, a dog keeps barking on the other side of the fence, we have an audience of onlookers, kids on bikes and even a small dog--all within 15' of the jump chute. Plus it was hot and Zoë doesn't like the heat usually... But I see no stress signs, only open mouth, relaxed ears, soft eyes and unwavering connection with me. When resetting between runs, she returns instantly each time, falling into the prancy heeling she does only when very comfortable. She also is solid on all her stays today--even at 60' away!

In this clip, which shows the first and second runs of the second set of this lesson, Zoë starts out with a nice fast run...But when the little dog walks up, we pause to play Look-At-That for a few minutes. Zoë seems happy and relaxed, however, so when the other dog's owner says it's okay, I allow her to go say hi. She does a nice, friendly, waggy approach, and then when the little dog remains slightly standoff-sh, Zoë disengages on her own and returns to me (!!) -- just what I want her to do! (We've been working on this: a behavioral loop of approach dog -- turn -- come to me for a treat. Kind of like a Go-Approach-That)

Even after the interruption, I'm very pleased with how quickly Zoë slips back into work mode, holds her stay and then flies through the chute, staying on task with Fred standing just to the left of her target (she loves Fred), plus all those people watching and the little dog too. Although it is only the second repetition and we are supposed to do three, I decide to jackpot her here and end on success.

This is a HUGE accomplishment for Zoë!

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Agility
• Dogs
• Dog Training

[maxmistyjla]

She's doing great, Sarah. I love this clip. And great post on the 5Q list, which is where I got the link.

Jude and Dusty in NJ

[thistlemiss]

@maxmistyjla Thank you Jude!

[hunkymonkeykaine]

Your a talented clicker trainer:). Zoe did AWESOME!! Thanks for sharing:).