Relaxation protocol.

[HAH]

I should have explained the tasks (although some are self-explanatory!):

1. walk round the bed without the dog getting up
2. apply slight lead pressure without the dog moving off the boundary
3. Distract Mark Treat - apparently similar but not the same as LAT; we used a remote controlled car, which got the dogs looking at it; the handler says 'good' and then treats
4. drop food off the boundary, the dog stays on the boudary
5. handler sits down next to the bed (lots found this tough)
6. drop food, call dog off boundary towards you away from food, release to food
7. put dog on a different boundary (e.g. on a chair, in a hula hoop)
8. use a rubbish word for release (cheese! monkey! etc.) - dog should stay on boundary
9. release dog to boundary (I think, all went a bit hazy here!)
10. make it to 2 mins without treating
11. run away from boundary, dog stays on boundary
12. release from boundary, wrap round object then back on boundary (we didn't even try this - not yet wrapping)

 

[HAH]

The time has come… we’re starting the relaxation protocol with Stilton. Our experience with Kipper has taught me not to be too rigid - which, to be fair, Dr Overall does emphasis in the copious preliminary notes.
so yesterday we tried
Day 1
And immediately found it too challenging. So we cut the times in half and only did the first 6 exercises. Success!

Day 2
Stilton had just woken up, and had a good bit of lunch so was very mellow. We tried the rest of the day 1 tasks with full timings and he aced it. I suspect he would have stayed exactly where he was whether I was counting or not, but I’m happy as Larry with progress.

 

[Loraseal]

I love this and still use it especially when the weather is warm. X

 

[HAH]

Day 3
We just did the first half of Day 2 tasks, namely
Day 2: Dog's Task

• Sit for 10 seconds
• Sit while you take 1 step back and return
• Sit while you take 3 steps back and return
• Sit for 10 seconds
• Sit while you take 3 steps to the right andreturn
• Sit while you take 3 steps to the left and return
• Sit for 10 seconds
• Sit while you take 3 steps to the right and clap your hands
• Sit while you take 3 steps to the left and clap your hands
• Sit for 5 seconds
• Sit for 10 seconds
• Sit while you walk one fourth of the way around the dog to the right
• Sit while you take 4 steps back
• Sit while you walk one fourth of the way around the dog to the left Sit for 10 seconds

Again, to my surprise, he aced it. we’ve just been for a walk, he had a good drink beforehand and it’s in the garden with few distractions - but still, I’m surprised we were able to all of this with full timings. One more day and it’s a trend!