Morning at the Marina

A beautiful morning here so off we went to the Marina.  Two little long haired Chihuahuas were leaving as we arrived - blue and white - so we had the entire run to ourselves.

I took a chair and Volume 2 of my Levels books.  And had clicker and treats.  But all I had in mind was making eye contact.  No cues.  No work.  No stress.  And lots of passing distractions.

We played ball.  Lily sniffed and rolled and ran.  And whenever she made eye contact I clicked and gave her a kibble.  Before long, the only way that I could get her to leave my side was to toss the kibble in the grass.

After a while I went for 5 seconds of duration.  No more.  Not even if I was getting solid eye lock.  I clicked and treated if Lily was looking at me while I looked in another direction.  I clicked and treated when she lay down beside my chair and looked up from between my legs.

The message was clear.  Lock eyes w/me or on me and get a click.  It was almost as if Lily was asking me to ask for more.

Oh yes this was training.  Bicyclists were passing nearby.  Joggers ran by.  Cars came and parked and people disembarked.  The ocean wind was blowing over us and Lily's nose was working.  The sea birds were there, too.  And the marina was busy with sailboats going in and out.

The Chihuahuas got only a passing glance.

Working on WATCH

Take the time to get EYE LOCK from the beginning.

WATCH: L2

Holds eye contact for 10 seconds

Generalizing

WATCH: L3

Holds eye contact for 30 seconds

On the Road

Two for the price of One

WATCH: L5

Holds eye contact for 30 seconds with trainer not looking at dog

You'll have to trust me on this one!

I was watching her through the reflection in the painting.