You know the basics: a hungry dog is a working dog. This week, Butley should earn his food by looking you in the face. Every single, solitary piece of kibble will require at least a quick glance at your face. Hopefully, you have some idea as to where your clicker might be located and the exercise will roll out like this:
1. Butley looks at your face;
2. Click
3. Kibble
Simple.
Why, you ask? Because Butley needs to learn that, when in doubt, he should locate you. He should turn his attention away from the stressful thing for just a microsecond and engage you, request your help.
Next week, Butley will start interacting with other dogs at Canine Craze on a Monday when we have very, very few dogs. That very first day, either Scott, Renee or I will spend our shift working exclusively with Butley. We will intervene on his behalf if he becomes concerned, body blocking other dogs away from him, keeping him safe behind us. Butley will get heavily rewarded with food if he looks to any of us to request help if things become too stressful. Butley needs to feel confident that he has resources, others who will step in immediately and reduce his discomfort.
The first step, however, begins with you. He needs to learn that he can seek you out and get rewarded for doing so. That behavior will transfer easily next week because you will have introduced it.
See you Friday, N.
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