Every behavior and training professional has seen her share of WCCS dogs. Some have developed their own programs to help humans help their dogs. Here are a few:
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-Dr. Karen Overall’s Protocol for Relaxation
Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Overall says, “This program is the foundation for all other behavior modification programs. Its purpose is to teach the dog to sit and stay while relaxing in a variety of circumstances.”
dogscouts.org/Protocol_for_relaxation
-Trainer September Morn’s “Go wild and freeze,” as described by trainer/behavior professional Jolanta Benal
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“Start by dancing around and acting excited till your dog gets going, too. After a minute or so, all of a sudden stop moving. Ask your dog to sit, or down, or do another behavior she knows well. The moment she does it, start dancing around again; when your dog joins in, stop, ask for that sit or down again, and reward her by re-starting the party. Mix things up by varying what behaviors you ask for and how long you wait before re-starting the game. If your dog is super-excitable and likely to mouth you or ricochet off you, start with a pale-vanilla version of ‘going wild’ – your dog’s introduction to this game can be ‘Take a Single Step and Freeze.’ You can also retreat behind a baby gate if need be.” Trainer Jolanta Benal’s “Quick and Dirty Tips” podcast can be heard at dogtrainer.quickanddirtytips.com/play-games-bad-weather.aspx.
-Linda Tellington Jones’ TTouch
“The Tellington TTouch is a specialized approach to the care and training of our animal companions. Developed by internationally recognized animal expert, Linda Tellington-Jones, PhD (Hon), this method based on cooperation and respect offers a positive approach to training, can improve performance and health, and presents solutions to common behavioral and physical problems.” ttouch.com/whatisTTouch.shtm; (866)488-6824.
