SearchGetting dogs over fears
We have dealt with a few irrational fears, one of which is the broom, and can be seen in this video. I'm not talking about a broom being wildly swept, or even moving... Dakota was TERRIFIED of this broom for some reason, seamingly out of nowhere. If we were playing fetch inside, or if one of her toys went near the broom, tail would tuck, ears back, and she would walk away and not get her toy. So here's a before and after video. You can see in the before, she won't take the treat off of the broom, and just walks away. It took a while to even get her that close... Unfortunately, cell phone only takes a max of 30 second videos, and I didn't feel like taking out the big camera, so I have to choose my film time wisely lol. Anyways, the whole process only took a few minutes. I plan on doing a real video, showing how I handle these things, in the hopes that someone else can apply what we do to help them get over fears, especially irrational fears. Dakota is terrified of our scale, and I plan to make that the video I will do. It will be legit, real time video of the full process.
These are cell phone vids, so they suck quality wise, but I think you can see them. If you can't, this clip was just to show that she would not approach the broom, and take the treat. She wouldn't look at the broom, and after a few seconds, she walked away. Here's the before:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWC04xSNj9I
After some training, she will now readily walk up and touch the broom with her nose.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvmyZpzHVSM
And just for kicks, here's a clip of us playing on one of the islands in our lake. Dakota loves it there, and it's great. It's a few acres, she can run freely, we don't have to worry about her going anywhere, and it's great for all!
Kevin, thanks for the videos. I couldn't really see the 1st 2 (netbook screen is quite small!) but the one on the island is great. Don't you love to see the babies in a full out run just for the fun of it?
I just love watching your videos!
I could see them, great! Thanks for posting, and I would love to see a video of teaching her about the scale. Hey, I want an island!!!
Thanks guys! I had a feeling they would be too dark for some, I can see them ok on my mac, but it's probably because I know what i'm looking at lol. The next video will be with one of the real cameras. I do lots of dialogue with Dakota too, just not when we're training or doing something important. Talking to a dog is great, even if they don't know what you're saying. But too many words when you actually want something done is too confusing.
Question: I noticed you used the command "touch" on the broom. Are you practicing targeting? We are practicing targeting with Harley and it has actually proved more reliable than "Come." He'll run across a field just to come and touch his nose on our hand. Do you recommend using "touch" on things they are scared of? Harley is pretty fearful of the vaccum.
Here is a lightened version of the video. Quality sucks, but you can see it better:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0Pf-F11LgI
My process for working a dog over fears is simple, and it works at the dogs pace so there's no flooding, or extra fear involved. First, you reward the dog for looking at the object. The I reward distance to the object. Then I reward getting closer to the object, and finally touching. By this point, typically a dog is no longer scared of the object. Like any training, once the dog understands, you start to phase out the rewards. A scary broom that was once terrifying now has no negative meaning.
Dakota, like many dogs got freaked out about the vaccuum. So, I did the same process. Reward looking at the vacuum. Reward getting closer, then touching. Then I would move the vacuum, and do the same. Adding movement, you may have to start over, and reward looking, then distance, rinse and repeat. Then, you turn the vacuum on, and take it from there. You may have to start over, may not. The idea is to associate good things with the object, whatever that object is. Once the dog understands, you phase out the reward.
Couldn't see the videos but look forward to seeing your next taped session!
The vid in my last post should be viewable
The vid is a little bit better.. wish we could see more..
thanks Kevin for your efforts.
We're tryin' here!!
put treats on the broom, make the broom more pleasable! Awesome vids
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well nuts!! I couldn't' see the first two vids Kevin, but I did hear your voice and love the fact that you didn't tell her more than once..
So many people create a sort of dialog with their dog ( my husband) explaining WHY she needs to sit and HOW she needs to stay and it's not a good idea to eat things off the ground.. sigh..
How I smiled watching Dakota run around on the island.. she is so happy and so lucky to have found you ( and vice versa I'm srue!)