FE495 Build the Bond: Recalls Part 2
Build the Bond: Recalls Part 2 continues from Part 1 but the focus is on teaching our dogs that they can move away from high level distractions. We will be using controlled set ups and desensitization as well as several more games to teach this. Learn how to use barriers to teach your dog how to ignore the distractions.
Be ready to put your thinking cap on for identifying and creating unique distractions for your specific dog. Things like collecting droppings from a favorite animal, using synthetic animal scent from hunting stores and using kids toys that move and make noises to train a solid leave it at home before taking it on the road. Flying frisbees can trigger dogs to chase as well. Do you have a radio controlled toy car? How about a battery operated cat? Start watching for sales at toy stores.
Learn the "Look at That" game and how to apply it to teaching a recall!
Join us for more fun and learning a recall!
Part 1 or a good recall without distractions is a prerequisite.
Syllabus
Week 1
Introduction to Recalls Part 2
Lecture 1 Distractions and Premack
Lecture 2 General Training Process
Review Step 1- 3 Teach the Process in the Form of Games
3 games
Homework
Week 2
Quick Game Checklist for Part 2 by Week
Step 4 Distractions
Lecture 3 Starting List of Distractions
3 games
Homework
Week 3
Step 4A Desensitization to High Level Distractions
Lecture 4 Satiation
1 repeat game
2 new games
Homework
Week 4
Lecture 5 Adding Controlled Distractions
3 games
Lecture 8 Multiple Handlers Multiple Dogs
Lecture 9 Role of Arousal in Recalls
Homework
Week 5
2 games
Lecture 6 Limited Hold
Lecture 11 Classical vs Operant Conditioning
1 game
Step 8 Building Distraction with Controlled Set ups
Lecture 13 Build Distraction Level Back Up
Homework
Week 6
Lecture 14 Dealing with "Sticky" Overaroused Dogs
Step 9 Generalization to More New Environments & Recall Summary
Lecture 15 Extra Tips & Bear Bells
Homework
Prerequisites & Supplies
Sample Lecture
Along with controlling the distractions with barriers, it may be necessary to first desensitize your dog to high level distractions so the dog can work around them. The distractions may cause excitement or fear.
Excitement
Below is an example desensitization plan for Game 8 when FDSA student Faith Eastwood found that her dog Milo was so aroused when interacting with the flirt that he hurt himself. He was so adrenalized that he didn't feel the pain and wanted to continue playing. So, she created a plan to incrementally desensitize Milo to the flirt so she could use it for recall training. The plan can be adapted for anything that your dog gets over-excited about. Thank you for sharing Faith!
Her videos are added after each series to demonstrate the steps.
Teaching the foundation behavior of eye contact:
1. Eye contact with low value treat in hand working up to holding a treat at arm's length
2. Repeat step one with a high-value treat
Adding in part of the distraction:
3. Eye contact with just the flirt (no pole/string) in my hand near my body working up to holding it out at end of arm length
4. Eye contact with flirt pole with flirt held tight to the pole not dangling, and working up to holding it out at arm length
9. Work through this again with me in standing in different rooms. I think it'll be faster this time.
Here Faith is adding movement to the flirt as well as asking him to do some simple work.
Other Dogs
Fear
Then we added some distance back in and had her play ball with her handler while the car was moved for longer periods.
We then introduced the sight of the plane. She was fed when she looked at it. Her ears go back due to the bus in the background, not the plane moving. The sight and movement of the plane in my hand doesn't seem to bother her.
Instructor
Donna Hill
Faculty
Donna Hill (she/her) has had a life long love affair with dogs and a fascination with dog behavior. She has broad practical experience in the dog world: volunteering and working in kennels and shelters, dog sitting and walking, fostering rescue dogs, teaching behavior modification privately, and...