Stalled by wind...

Just got back from spending the last hour trying to find a sheltered area to run the body bending test.  All failed.  Pipes fall over too easily in the wind.  Will be using Roxanne's garage tomorrow at noon for test 1 and then hopefully back again Saturday afternoon for test 2.  

Don't write us off... We are slow and clumsy but tenacious and highly motivated!  

 

Feedback please for Week 3 readiness test...

I'm uploading one video for feedback please... I think she nailed the bending in the first few minutes of the video, and the remaining 4 min is practicing the auto sit with halt.  I'm pretty sure she's not receiving the proper cue by her delayed response.  I think it's because my hands are still behind her eye on the kiss, but I can't figure out how to bring them forward.  What do you gals think?

Week 3 EXAM # 1: Body Bend Readiness Test (due by noon, Wednesday noon)

Link to Week 3 EXAM # 1: Body Bend Readiness Test 

Week 3 is uploaded

Link to Week 3 article, "Why it Works" by Deb Kidwell 

Link to Week 3 Glossary of Terms

2-23-24, Piper Week 2, Tunnel of Love test...(Take 1)

This was quite a challenge for ME.  Piper was golden even with tons of distractions and a less than stellar trainer.  

Week 2 EXAM - Due no later than Sunday noon

Link to Week 2 EXAM 

Just a minor hiccup...

Wednesday morning on a beautiful snow hike with Roxanne and the pups, I hit a hidden ice patch on our way down the hill.  (Now I know first hand what it feels like to hit a banana peel!  🍌)  The result... a minor fracture and moderate soft tissue damage to my dominant wrist.

After a few days of restraining usage and resting it, it already feels much better.  Enough so that I'll resume working with Piper on longe line and leash later today or tomorrow.  I have real snow boots arriving Monday from REI Co-Op.  Until I'm in better foot gear, I'm being hyper cautious on ice.  

Even with a wonky wrist, Roxanne and I enjoyed practicing and studying my steps in the snow...  I also took a slew of videos that I'll be sending to Roxanne this weekend.

As it stands, I'll be taking another couple weeks to practice week two drills at home and in the world.  Once we're ready, I'll see if Loni and maybe Gayle can help me with a tunnel of love...

And to keep you laughing at yourself...

Link to laughing at your Week 2 mechanic efforts  

Week 2, Days 5/6 KISS hand signal/Sit Correction + 3-step Halt to AS review

Link to Week 2, Days 5/6 & 3-step Halt to AS (Auto sit) mechanics 

Week 2 - question on learning sequence...

Piper has already grown to love sleeping in her crate.  Still super tired from her busy day! 

Because my mind can be so linear, I get overwhelmed by too much detail too quickly and need to absorb each lesson one stage at a time.  I'm assuming days 1&2, days 3&4 and days 5&6 each last as long as necessary to be able to do them properly and consistently.

Can you please confirm that I have the sequencing correct and that I'm not missing anything?  I'm not trying to capture all the details in this post, just the main steps and sequence for learning and application.  

All Sessions:
One hour kennel before working with dog (or 30 min QT)
10-15 min Longe Line work
Switch to leash - perform commands based on following sequence
Finish with 30 min QT

All days - OUT command with sharp correction - as needed at "look" or "lock" stage

Days 1 & 2 - working with Fido until movement patterns are memorized, then... 
Straight line heel (using voice command, FIDO HEEL)
Heel with auto sit (using left hand to position proper sit and verbal command for heel only)
RATT - right about training turn
RT - right training turn
LTT - left training turn
Low distractions - min 25 sits per day

Days 3 & 4 - working with Fido until movement patterns are memorized, then...
Heel, Halt and AS (using voice command for both FIDO HEEL and SIT)
Progress to moderate distractions - min 25 sits per day

Days 5 & 6 - working with dog
KISS hand position for AS - Kissing thumbs to each other and applying upward correction if needed
All commands - progress to high distractions - min 25 sits per day

Thanks very much for humoring me, I really appreciate it!

2-5-24 Week 2 is uploaded

 Kellie,

Good class today. I know, it's as clear as mud, right? Anyway, the FC Week 2 HW is uploaded. You will also notice a new section entitled, HW Week 2 Cliff Notes.  This is a new section, and the information is intended to be a fast 'snapshot' of the new exercises for the week. 

Also, I just uploaded a link to FC Week 2 Glossary, as well as a link to FC Week 2 article, "Why it works" by Deb Kidwell.  Both the new section, 'Cliff Notes, the FC Glossary and the new article, are intended for your education and understanding.

Practice with Fido, he's so very well trained.  The learning dog can only do as well as it's handler. The dog must learn to read your mechanics and understand what to do. The learning handler must do their part in memorizing their new mechanics so their dog can read them.  It's a team effort.

Have a good week.  Post questions, comments, concerns and videos, please.

I will post the Week 2, Days 5/6, the Sit Correction Friday morning for you.

Roxanne

Relocated

Kellie, Your posted EXAM, when they are passed, are relocated to the section titled, 'Student EXAMs'. Comments are provided there. GOOD work!!!