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Leslie McDevitt
Certified Dog Trainer, Behavior Counselor
Y2K9s Dog Sports Club
Wyndmoor, PA |
Leslie specializes in clicker training and using positive
reinforcement to modify problem behaviors in both pet and
performance dogs.
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The Quick Head Turn
A Foundation Recall Behavior: An essential part of a recall
is the dog's ability to disengage from the environment and orient
to voice.
To teach this, when the dog isn't looking at me, I say his name
or a shortened nickname that will only be used for the quick
head turn cue. Then I give him a treat. Soon he will figure
out whenever he hears that nickname, I have something for him.
Then, when the dog is not watching me, I will say the nickname.
The second he starts to turn his head towards me, I use a clicker
to mark that turning behavior (if you don't use a clicker you
can use a verbal marker instead) and reward.
You don't have to be at a distance from your dog, and you are
not asking him to come to you yet. You are just concentrating
on teaching him the behavior of turning his head.
Once he will whip around quickly inside the home, ask for the
behavior outside. If he doesn't turn around immediately, just
wait for it. Be ready to mark the slightest movement that means
your dog is hearing you through a distraction.
If he can't turn towards you, you have put him in a situation
that was too difficult for him to succeed. Try again in an easier
environment.
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©2003-2009
The Animal Welfare Project
P.O. Box 987
Valley Forge, PA 19482
(267) 249-5762 Duplication prohibited without written permission.
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