Reactivity - great training video

[RedwingWinter]

I just found video by Urban Dawg on training leash reactivity. I found it really helpful to see someone else doing this in practice, especially the bit where the dog unexpectedly has to pass another dog that is tied up. This is the kind of situation I find a real struggle with Dog2. It's great to see exactly how to deal with it.

The main thing I took from the video is about the frequency of reinforcement. I knew to give treats but I didn't know to give them so often! They have subtitles which say e.g. they gave 7 treats in 26 seconds.

I found the video really useful, so I thought I'd share :)

This is great - this is the look dog technique I try to explain on here. I personally would recommend using a clicker rather than "yes" which is what they are using.

You can see by about 9 mins in the dog is happy tail wagging and loving every minute of what was a stressful situation.

I have been trying to teach look dog as per your earlier post and I found it really helpful to actually see someone doing it. It was also reassuring to see the trainer bail and decide to run past the chihuahua the second time. I basically ran away from a neighbour with their puppy the other day and it was embarrassing, but at least now I know it was an acceptable thing to do!

Yes, it's amazing how much the dog in the video is loving it. The best bit is it means Dog2 can actually do something right in what is otherwise a tricky situation.

I have difficulty co-ordinating the clicker, treats and the lead. Hopefully I'll get the hang of it.

Absolutely choose the battles to win - if the situation is too difficult move away to an easier one.

I wear my clicker around my wrist on a hair tie (oh yes style queen that I am!) and find it easier to manage as I am not actually holding on to it - if that makes sense!

You will get the hang of it - you can use the yes command as the video but do you notice that at the sound of the click your dog will react more quickly than the dog on the video to the yes sound.

i make loud clicking noise with my tongue. as get all tangled with lead and clicker as well.

Minimuu, I have been holding the clicker in my hand, but it does have a wrist-band so I could see if that helps.

Misdee, that sounds easier, but I am not sure I can replicate the right noise! I mean that it would still sound speech-like, coming from me, so I would probably do just as well with a 'yes' if I can't get the coordination right with the clicker. Or maybe I just need to practice my clicking sounds!

Thanks for the encouragement :)

I've had a few good days of practising the coordination and have almost got it. Dog is much more responsive to me now, looking more often. I have a wristband on my clicker but kind of hold it in my fingers at the same time, with the lead in my other hand near my treat pocket. Bit worried about the amount of treats and effect on his tummy - I'll cut them up smaller tomorrow.

Will check out that video - thanks.