Day 7 -- New Years Day

In sticking with the "new beginnings" theme of the day, we worked on generalizing some of Sia's commands. Dogs do not generalize meaning that when they learn something, it doesn't necessarily mean that they know in different locations or under different circumstances. So, if she knows bed and one particular bed in one particular location, I need to also teach on a wide variety of other beds. That way she knows that "bed" means to go lie down on any bed or mat I have indicated to her.

When I am working on generalizing a command or taking it to a different level, I need to continually evaluate whether we are working at the right level or under the right circumstances. If she is not succeeding at something, I need to look at my own handling skills to determine what I need to do differently to help her be successful. For instance, when we were working on generalizing the "down" command, we were working in a different location (outside as opposed to inside). She was struggling a bit and I was having to rely on a physical cue when she was previously doing it on a verbal cue. When I stopped to think about what might be causing her to struggle, I realized Sinbad was close by (not in the same area but she could see him). This was enough of a distraction for her that she was not able to work at the level we normally worked at. It was too much for her to deal with the distraction AND the new environment at the same time. Once I removed Sinbad from sight, she was able to be successful again.

Although tired from the previous days festivities, Sia was able to muster up enough energy to do her training and to play a bit today.

And she is doing excellent with her recalls! She is easily and quickly coming out of play when called. I can also call her from different rooms of the house and she will come running. Even when she is playing with new dogs, which is a much higher level of distraction. Good girl!

 Sia was very happy to curl up with Sinbad at the end of the day. It mattered not that there was a much larger dog bed nearby that no one was using. She'll be well rested for our next day of training!