What are we are Instructors and handlers looking for in a Week 2 EXAM Tunnel of Love? Certainly NOT perfection, polish or even precision. What we are looking for and working constantly to achieve is for the dog to understand that when a handler halts, they are to immediately "Sit". We call that the AS, Auto Sit. We are also watching to see if the dog is understanding the "Heel" command means to move forward WITH their handler and the dog is responsible to 'read' their handlers mechanics, especially their footwork on the Turns and to remain close to their handler (or get a collar correction). That is all this Week 2 EXAM is about, the "Heel", the Turns and the verbal "Sit", the Auto Sit. Next week, Week 3, the verbal "Sit" ceases and the dog has to focus MORE to successfully 'read' their handlers mechanics and respond appropriately.
So, Maggie DID pass her Week 2 EXAMs today. Certainly NOT perfect, polished or precise, but she noticeably improved with each handler requiring the same responses from her.
I bet she was tired when we left? Either that or totally jacked up because she wasn't invited to observe the Scent Discrimination -:)
She worked hard to succeed this week, had a breakthrough in understanding what she needs to do to avoid a collar correction on Thursday, and is making steady progress. For a really GOOD laugh out loud, and to understand what it takes to succeed, watch the Week 2 EXAM videos I posted of Jessi and Ace, Hannah and I, Kim and Kara and Mary and Molly. Not so long ago and yet it seems like just yesteryear when I was training each of them and they were struggling. It is at the end of Week 3, the internal mental changes will begin in Maggie's mind.
What are we are Instructors and handlers looking for in a Week 2 EXAM Tunnel of Love? Certainly NOT perfection, polish or even precision. What we are looking for and working constantly to achieve is for the dog to understand that when a handler halts, they are to immediately "Sit". We call that the AS, Auto Sit. We are also watching to see if the dog is understanding the "Heel" command means to move forward WITH their handler and the dog is responsible to 'read' their handlers mechanics, especially their footwork on the Turns and to remain close to their handler (or get a collar correction). That is all this Week 2 EXAM is about, the "Heel", the Turns and the verbal "Sit", the Auto Sit. Next week, Week 3, the verbal "Sit" ceases and the dog has to focus MORE to successfully 'read' their handlers mechanics and respond appropriately.
ReplyDeleteSo, Maggie DID pass her Week 2 EXAMs today. Certainly NOT perfect, polished or precise, but she noticeably improved with each handler requiring the same responses from her.
I bet she was tired when we left? Either that or totally jacked up because she wasn't invited to observe the Scent Discrimination -:)
She worked hard to succeed this week, had a breakthrough in understanding what she needs to do to avoid a collar correction on Thursday, and is making steady progress.
For a really GOOD laugh out loud, and to understand what it takes to succeed, watch the Week 2 EXAM videos I posted of Jessi and Ace, Hannah and I, Kim and Kara and Mary and Molly. Not so long ago and yet it seems like just yesteryear when I was training each of them and they were struggling. It is at the end of Week 3, the internal mental changes will begin in Maggie's mind.
Enjoy-:)
Roxanne