59 seconds

Student Comments: "Hi Mark, here is Archie's food on the floor video for this week. Still stationary work. We still have some leftover "speak" going on! Otherwise I am happy with his progress."

Instructor Comments: "Perfect!  I really do prefer this way of delivering the reward.  It will really help make the transition to dropping the food seamless, as we saw in the video. Thanks!!

Mark"

2 min 46 sec

Student Comments: "This is the very first time I've every tried this exercise and I was really please how quickly the girls picked it up. This video is of their first 10 reps. The clicking sound is a little click I make with my mouth. It was actually really good practice to get my timing right!"

Instructor Comments: "Such good handling on so many levels. With the first dog, I really dug the way you were able to jump around in the progression, so to speak.  Knowing when to reward what, and why.  Rather than me break it down, I would say for all other students to watch this video closely and tell us what YOU the students are seeing/interpreting within the session.

With the second dog, again, very intuitive handling.  Trying to bait and build interest initially but when the dog looks away you give her a gentle touch on the ear, which seemingly works perfectly as from that point on the dog in showing interest and compliance. Very good stuff!

Mark"

1 min 50 sec

Student Comments: "Cruz is doing very well with both behaviors.  Her Say Please (Sit Petty) is light years ahead of where she was only a few days ago.  It took ME a long time to figure out how to get a front end lift without the hind end lift.  So although it's not that pretty yet, I'm happy with our progress.  It's amazing how different things look when you see them through the camera's lens.  I could have sworn I was closer to her!

Her Leave It is doing very well too.  I have to admit to regressing to my old way of training when she managed to sneak one off the floor.  A loud NO! rang out automatically.  And I instantly regretted it!  We played and wrestled a little immediately after my mistake, which took some of the aversion away but you can still see not only the behavior of leaving it, but also avoiding it.  This is what I caused by adding punishment when it wasn't necessary.  I will work on rectifying the problem.  It can be fixed but it's a shame to have caused it in the first place."

Instructor Comments: "Very good on both counts Mary Ann!  Don't worry about being so far away from her with the sit pretty.  Other than having to reach, its not a big deal. I would just follow the natural progression from here! Thanks!

Mark"

1 min 20 sec

Student Comments: "I could not use my Duke for this exercise. So I am using a dog I am watching, his name is Teddy. He is an eight year old Pomeranian. He is a sweet boy. :)"

Instructor Comments: "Nice way to salvage the session!  What I mean is that he more or less checked out while you were trying to get him to bait and you we're able to squeak out one more correct rep.  And were able to get some duration out of him as well!

Cool dog.

Just be sure to keep your marks clear between good and yes.  Not so much for him, but more for you to develop as a handler.  So if yes means release/reward and good means duration, or vice versa, then release on yes, and keep going on good.

Thanks!

Mark"

2 min 29 sec

Student Comments: "This was our second session with this exercise. I am still not as good with my timing on the mark as I could be. I saw that I missed a couple opportunities as I was messing with the treats. I moved quickly to the floor with the treats as I felt she was kind of doing the hand touch a bit."

Instructor Comments: "Very good Cathy!

What a nice peaceful session!!  Looks great.  

Its so fun to watch the dogs progress throughout the video..  Its just great.

I think everything will be smooth sailing from here.

Thanks

Mark"

1 min 9 sec

Student Comments: "one of the things he started doing in this game is to bark for the food. I hope he doesn't pick up this bad habit. Any thoughts on how to discourage that behavior during the game?"

Instructor Comments: "Hi Roy,

Really nice work!  I think your style of calm, quiet handling should be the goal of us all.  In my experience thus far, I find this style to be superior when it comes to teaching clearly.

As far as the barking, I would see if you can just shape it by marking the behavior your looking for with the food, and also him being quiet.  So I wouldn't reward him not barking, but rather a silent avoidance to the food.  Hope that makes sense...

Mark"

59 seconds

Instructor Comments: "Another great round Heather!

No comments on the handling whatsoever, and the dog is super cool.  If possible, I would try to create a tiny bit of space between your hand and his muzzle after he obtains the position.  Once you're there, it will be easy to get him to hold it while you are separated from him.

Great stuff!

Mark"