Flying Poodles

Working on Contacts with Dancer

I have started seriously working contacts with Dancer. It’s a challenge! My biggest problem is not saying “close enough”–maintaining high standards for what I want. Sloppiness is not an option for Dancer, who is capable of excellence if I demand it.

I am currently working only the dogwalk contact, because I see that as the easiest. After backchaining the contact, I am now having Dancer run the entire length of the dogwalk and stop at a target plate. Then I have her maintain position through three or four nose-touch-and-treat cycles. She seems more comfortable on the dogwalk but I still have to take it on the road.

She now stops reliably in position with me on her left side but not on the right side. I need to take a gate over to practice so I can keep her from swinging off the contact. She does not yet stop if the plate is not there, but she does stay in position and nose-touch the ground if I remove the plate, so I think we’re close.