BH340: Arousal Layering Games

Here, we want our dogs to practice self-capping in conjunction with fast running. Your dog will need a send away to a cone wrap, a tunnel, a target, or even just a plate of food or dead toy! See the “pregame” video for help if you aren’t sure about these skills. Play the game by sending your dog away from you (any and all of the above work!) and then asking for a target. If that’s easy, send the dog multiple times before asking for the target. Progress to sending, running, and asking for your dog to screech into the target as he catches up.

Here, Felix makes a few errors right off the bat. Each time he does, I pause, and remove a "layer" by moving closer to the wing. Watch as his targets get cleaner and more deliberate:

Here I add layers by including a tunnel, and more motion: 

Too hard?

Reduce the distance of the send, or try an easier self-capping skill like a position out of motion.

Too easy?

Increase the intensity of the reinforcer, your speed, and the times you send before asking for the self-cap.

Pre game:
Here, I demonstrate teaching a "go out around" skill using a lure:

Here, I demonstrate teaching this pregame skill using shaping: 

Don't do agility? Here is something I like to do to bring some self-capping to obedience:

Don't do obedience either? Insert whatever piece of your sport is exciting for your dog. Running toward a bite sleeve and being asked to self-cap, running down a flyball lane and being asked to self-cap, are all mind games that will help your dog stay in that thinking mode we need him in.