Introducing Different Touch Items

1 min 43 sec

Again, advancing within the session, we want to also introduce our new items during the session, while the dog is in a relatively high state of drive.

Below you will find several examples of how we introduce new items to our touch behaviors.

Advancing Within the Sequence

1 min 36 sec

While working in a high state of drive, we want to place our new item either on top of, or in place of, the previous item we've been working with. 

When using this method, we are trying to get the dog in a state of generalization.  In where, they will stand on more or less anything that is in the place they were just working.

Example of Changing Items in Training

32 seconds

Here is another quick example of changing items within the session.  Note how the new item is place just after the reward process.  By using this method, the dog easily gains confidence in the exercise, in terms of making contact with various surfaces, and still maintains a high drive state.

Moving From Larger to Smaller Items

51 seconds

When advancing between items and laying the new items on top of the previous pad, it is always a good idea to move from bigger to smaller.  It is always important that our pad is stable and easy to make contact with.  If the dog is fumbling to make contact, this can have adverse effects.  In consideration of this, think of all the items you might want the dog to touch, and plan accordingly.

Thinking in Terms of Height

1 min 50 sec

Within the same parameters of going bigger to smaller, we also want to move from higher to lower.  Being elevated makes our touch behavior much easier to teach, so moving ahead, we might want to incorporate a different item like a piece of carpet, or a lid to a Tupperware container.  

So if these may be your goals, always think in terms of lowering the height strategically, and methodically.  Beware of randomly jumping from various items of size and height, during the teaching phases.