"Side" Introducing Reinforcement Zone and Come to Heel (Patreon)

So here's a video that's slightly awkward because I'm teaching my husband a skill for my Atlas Assistance Dogs certification. I had to do a bunch of these videos as part of my coursework so I wanted to share them here both for the skillset that is being taught, but I also think it's valuable watching it instructed to someone who isn't a professional trainer. 

Right hand heeling isn't something I taught or used with Jake so this is a new behavior for him, but he has the necessary foundation skills.

Background:

While Jake has a ton of training under his belt, he is now nearly 14 years old and has essential retired from any sort of formal training. Jake has strong hand touch and targeting behaviors. Eric (my husband) is a pet dog owner who is mainly responsible for walking Jake occasionally and feeding the dogs when I’m not around. He rarely uses a marker and typically just maintains known behavior in the home. He has better than average knowledge of dog training.

Training Objective:

Training objective of this video is to have the dog be able to line up at the handler's right “side”, introducing them to the position they will be in on the right side for loose leash walking. We will be introducing the reinforcement zone, and getting them into side position using both a hand touch, and a foot target. This will show the dog in two different ways where the position and reinforcement zone is located, and get them ready to move off with their handler.

Stage of Behavior:

Introducing "side" behavior

Reinforcement: his regular kibble mixed with a small amount of medium value dehydrated raw kibble. This dog works well at home for his meals.

Next Steps: There are two next steps here. The first would be adding the “side” cue to have the dog be able to line up in position on the right hand side on a verbal cue. The second would be to fade the first hand touch and eventually the second one. I would do this by instead of having the handler say touch in the back, simply turn their hand into a U-shaped motion for the dog to follow (soft lure). The second hand touch would be faded over time by alternating a hand touch and no hand touch once the dog had a strong reinforcement history at side.

Adding the cue: I would start by having the handler say “side” and then give the dog the double hand touch motion to get them into side position. I would repeat the second exercise in the same way, adding the new verbal cue, and then using the foot target to get them into position from behind. I would then go down to a flat “spot” foot target and then fade that as well.

Remember to only add the cue once you're willing to bet $100 that the dog will do the behavior in the way you'd like with your hand cue.