It snowed and he liked it (which is good because there's more in the forecast). He ran around like a crazy dog. And he did tremendous recalls, trying to run so fast when I called him.
One day this week, we took him to town for some "counterconditioning". We chose a spot without too much foot traffic so that we could make it clear to him that he gets yummy treats when people are in view and then no treats when there are no people. The idea is to make him feel good about seeing strangers by pairing them with something that he loves - treats. I wanted you to be able to visualize this process so we videoed a short segment of it (video is at the end). You'll see that we had an expert trainer helping us out by appearing and then disappearing for Hachi when there were no random strangers around.
We were being careful not to be too close to the strangers. The idea is that we are close enough that he notices them but far enough away that he's not afraid. That gives him emotional space to make the connection between the treats and the people.
When we got home from our training, I took him and Shyla out for some play to help him decompress. Hachi's facial expressions will never bore me - that's for sure!
One of the reasons why we love having Shyla and Hachi play outdoors is that Shyla is definitely in charge. That is great for her confidence. It helps her to be confident around Hachi even indoors.
They are almost the same size now. Shyla is faster and stronger but Hachi can make very tight turns. It makes their play incredibly fun.
Here's the video of a bit of counterconditioning and a little bit of play outdoors. Enjoy!
I love your video.... we started to work too with the two... but we have to walk a long way before it looks like you and Hachi ;O)
ReplyDeleteThat is a commitment to the next level, it looked freezing out there, and even the "trainer" looked hunched up in his jacket. Hachi is doing so well, and what fun in the last part out in the snow.
ReplyDeleteWell done Hachi!! Your mom was playing hide and seek too. OMDs it looks like winter in your city. Just the opposite here hot, hotter and hottest this week. Maybe 100 on Wednesday...(real temperature)
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
I love the video , it helps a lot to SEE what you have been telling us... I am using this for cats along our walk. watching this has given me an idea to use this for people on bicycles. using this has allowed us to walk past Kat, a neighbors cat we see every day and never know where she will turn up. now he doesn't pull towards her but looks for treats and we can walk on past. keep the vids coming and thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great video! Your facial expressions make us laugh out loud, Hachi☺
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to counter-condition Hachi. LOVE seeing his eyes when they bug out when running. Too funny.
ReplyDeleteLoved the video! My goodness they can run...you have a great space for them to play.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your actions shots. The video is awesome. Well behaved pup.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day. Scritches to the pups. ♥
He is so big now, I wonder how big he will get. And to see them play in the video was such a treat. And his facial expressions continue to be PRICELESS!
ReplyDeleteI do this with my reactive dog Chance on our walks. It works great. Hachi looks good. You can tell, where he starts to have more interest in the treats than the person. I hope this works for you and Hachi. He's such a fantastic dog. You are lucky to have a trainer to help you, especially since he's so young and has so much to learn. Wishing you the best!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to get him to tolerate strangers. Dui still tries to bite strangers. Even after having 'people lessons' at the Farmers' Market. Love his silly facial expressions.
ReplyDeleteI love the way he looks at you when there is no one around. It's as if to say, "I'm not going to get anything right now, am I?" It doesn't take long at all to see his posture change as he recognizes the connection between the stranger and the treat.
ReplyDeleteWe know Hachi is a quick learner and hope these sessions help him. If our memory serves us we remember you doing similar things with Shyla. Those two sure were having fun playing together.
ReplyDeleteHachi is such a smart one and we love those facial expressions too!
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ReplyDeleteIt is so wonderful that adding Hachi to your family has benefited Shyla so much as well! ♥
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
Thank you for sharing the video! I would never have guessed that something like this training would work! But it does!
ReplyDeleteI see R and Shyla running in the last video! Zoom!
Hachi really has some priceless expressions!
love
tweedles