Just like people, dogs may need an extra boost of confidence during training. Some dogs are born confident, while others need to be taught how to be confident. Robbie is one of those dogs. To teach him confidence, we have begun doing agility work, desensitization exercises while practicing known commands, and using lots of praise & encouragement when he accomplishes things. Benefits of Agility Work for Service Dogs
Robbie's Agility CourseDesensitization to Build ConfidenceAgility equipment can be really expensive. If you have the money, go for it. We chose to build our own pieces. Check out the AKC website for details on building agility courses. Also, if you have the time and the money, consider taking agility classes. You will get to socialize with other handlers & dogs, and have formal training on how to teach the course. When doing desensitization work with your dog, it's important to know how much to push/encourage, and when to take a step back. Pay attention to your dog, because they will tell you. I look at Robbie's body language. If he starts showing stress signs such as licking or ears back, I stop and go do something that boosts him up, then come back to the scary thing. If he has his ears up and is willing to put a paw on something, or get closer to it, I encourage this behavior with praise and gently guide him closer. Purchase or Make Your Own Course
Makeshift Tunnel - We practice the low crawl underneath a chair or tunnel made out of boxes & a blanket. The command for this is "Low" Weave Poles - made out of PVC pipes, tape to add visibility to the poles, and a plank. The command is "Turn," each time we go around a pole. He is slowly getting faster and more accurate. Start with 3 or 4 poles, and work your way up to more. Teeter-Totter - Our trainer had a huge one, but we made a shorter one with a plank and books for now. When it's gets warmer and we can do it outside, we will work on refining it. Robbie loves this one! Make sure your dog gets on at the beginning & doesn't jump off early. Jumps - We made Robbie 1 jump out of PVC pipes, with cups set at 16" & 20". The jump he learned on, though, is his table ramp on its side, which comes to a height of 12". This command is "Over." Place Board - Chance to practice his "place" command, and get a breather during obstacles. Up/Off on Table - Getting up on his table always makes Robbie at ease. His ears go up, his tail starts wagging, and he just exudes pride.
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My Name is Sally...I have a condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. This blog is about my journey training Robbie, a dog who helped me regain independence, confidence, and achieve the impossible in the face of my disability. It continues on with the training of Austin, Robbie's successor. Check Out... - "More than a Dog" was published on a site called The Mighty Categories
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