Well, I definitely know that threshold plays a big part in teaching this behavior. And I know that Lily is not a "naturally" relaxed dog. It is Shayla to whom Relax comes more naturally. Lily is an In the Game kind of girl. So this behavior, once taught, will be a gift to her. Yoga for Lily!!! (reminds me of Eileen and Down Dog position w/Summer).
I am reading along in Syn's Blog and today Sue began explaining Relax to Syn. This is what she says on the subject.
Finally I cued her to Lie Down (roll over on her side and put her head down - Relax). She's got the roll well now, but still doing her I'm-doing-it!-I'm-doing-it! tail wag, so this time I was waiting for her tail to stop wagging. It only took 7 or 8 seconds, and she signalled the silence of the tail with a huge sigh, followed by shallower breathing. Got it! Maybe 5 reps, and she was down to 4 seconds of wagging before relaxing.
and, for Syn's supper,
We did Relax next, and again she was better. After 3 repetitions, she was wagging for 2 seconds and then sighing, and she was able to stay relaxed for 15 seconds without working on duration.
Lily has the position. And she understands about the quiet tail. Now, by being particularly aware of our environment AND Lily's threshold, we will go for the "sigh".
I am thinking, too, of totally dropping the "Settle" cue and re-teaching, using Lily's "Roll" cue (for the position), add duration, wait for the sigh before re-introducing the "Settle" cue.
And doing KORP in the Roll position. I wonder if incorporating that would also be helpful. Certainly couldn't hurt now, could it?
Hmmmmm. I am liking this plan.
Lily on Cathy's tennis court
with Rooster and Nad training in center court
On her side
with her head down
her tail silent
SHHHHH.....I think I heard a sigh!