It might not necessarily need a new post, but I thought it was relevant for the upcoming firework season for U.S. members and I'm becoming rather fond of the tool and process in general-so maybe a new discussion? Some of you may remember my utilization of the dog speech buttons from this thread Working with reactivity | Dog Forum . I've been toying with the idea of using the same method for other noises but hadn't committed. It's just past the Memorial Day weekend, and some neighbors decided to celebrate with belated fireworks.
In the past, Kaiyah has handled fireworks with little notice, but tonight she was a little uneasy. Decided to upload a fresh, low, recording of fireworks and see where we'd end up. Because she already knows the general idea, Kaiyah needed virtually no transferring of the skill/different noise. I did use a "spare" button with a different colored base-I think the differences help her distinguish the "intensity." In either case, 5 minutes later, playing "The Button Game" had her focused and significantly more relaxed. The neighbors wrapped up very shortly after our session, and Kaiyah is settled for bed.
The name escapes me, but I do remember coming across a trainer explaining how choice/agency itself can be a positive reinforcement for a dog or any animal really. The more I explore it, the more it opens up other possibilities. It's just a little bittersweet when I think about how far I could have gone with past dogs if I knew then what I know now. But that's how life is.
In the past, Kaiyah has handled fireworks with little notice, but tonight she was a little uneasy. Decided to upload a fresh, low, recording of fireworks and see where we'd end up. Because she already knows the general idea, Kaiyah needed virtually no transferring of the skill/different noise. I did use a "spare" button with a different colored base-I think the differences help her distinguish the "intensity." In either case, 5 minutes later, playing "The Button Game" had her focused and significantly more relaxed. The neighbors wrapped up very shortly after our session, and Kaiyah is settled for bed.
The name escapes me, but I do remember coming across a trainer explaining how choice/agency itself can be a positive reinforcement for a dog or any animal really. The more I explore it, the more it opens up other possibilities. It's just a little bittersweet when I think about how far I could have gone with past dogs if I knew then what I know now. But that's how life is.
