Working with Multiple Dogs
Working more than one dog at a time is an ongoing process. My goal is to have all my dogs watching while I work one at a time and act appropiately. This translates for me, ease of practice time and a better dog on the sides of agility trials.
Define your criteria before you begin working two dogs. Prep games that each dog should know alone are:
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Bed Games/Crate Games
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IYC
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Name Recall
My criteria:
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Keep all 4 feet on your bed not matter what
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Wait your turn until called
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You may move around and/or play with a toy
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You may not bark, whine, or any other vocalization while others are working.
Begin with baby steps:
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Stand between working dog and watching dog
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Ask for low arousal games first
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Feed the 'bed' not the dog to build value for staying
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Do not reward 'off then on' chain
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Repeat mistakes and reward the 'right' choice