See, even a giant dog can run a plank! This was just the second time I worked Merger on the plank and I am thrilled with how he did!! I was able to change my location, his location, and, the toy a bit as well. And, he still consistently ran through the contact. the last 2 attempts were actually at a run off of a jump to the plank, that is so many more steps than I thought I would get in even several weeks time.
I am going to start really moving the toy and moving more myself over the next couple of days, if he stays this consistent it will be time to put the plank on a low table sooner rather than later.
Merger seems to really understand what I am rewarding for and although has ample opportunity to bail, at this point he seems very happen to drive through.
I am also seeing a great deal more confidence on the single plank than I was even on the 1' tall dog walk. It is still a bit of an issue for Merger to single track across a 12" plank, he is a big boy!
I am so pleased with his performance tonight! I started the plank work yesterday and he jumped from the red to the floor to the toy a couple of times, when he did this I simply took the toy and replaced it out approx. 20 feet from the bottom of the plank and asked him to do it again. When he offered the behavior of running through we played tug and had a party, that is the only difference I am offering right now while he is trying to figure it out.
I am also marking the behavior when he hits in the yellow with a yes!
His jumping and weave poles looked awesome tonight as well. Tomorrow I am going to go back to the broad jump board at the base of the A-frame and remind him his stride pattern....
Danger and SoBe got to work today as well :-) SoBe is playing the same game as Merger but as it turns out a stride regulator and the board slightly elevate gives her a much more consistent stride pattern down through the contact.
Danger is learning that toys, food and his name are the coolest things on the planet and so far when he hears his name he comes running and jumps up and puts his front feet on me for a reward. So far he knows his name, hand touches, sit and down on verbal cues. He is a tugging maniac and will switch readily between food and toys.
Our training at present is all about attention, and play! He loves to play and has fabulous attention so I guess we are on the right track.
Until next time!
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