GM News - April 2022

So . . . lots of Ss this edition:

• Strengthening and Stretching
• Saving via Sausage
• Schooling Success

Salutations,
Amanda, Rodna, David, Ruth
Gentle Modern School of Dog Training

Strengthening & Stretching

• Instruct your dog to move from  sit to stand - eight repetitions.  For extra benefit, this movement can be done with the dog facing uphill.
• Play bow - eight-12 repetitions
• Rest your legs on a chair and lure your dog  under the leg 'bridge'  - the height of your legs should be such that your dog doesn't crawl (that is, inch forward in a drop position) but instead do a slight 'squat' as they go under
• With one forearm under your dog's belly for support, lure your dog to follow your hand holding a treat to their tail (so  nose to tail) and back, and then the same on the other side of the dog's body - fluid movement back and forth over 90 seconds

• Walking AND Varied Activity  (like dog-dog play, chasing a ball,  running on the beach)  
• High intensity AND gentle activity  - Don't fall into the trap of throwing a ball over and over.  Incorporate swimming if possible.
• Movement on different terrain  (concrete, mulch, grass, dirt, etc.)  AND different gradients.  

Stranded dog saved by sausage (a more high-tech story than you might imagine!)

Schooling Success

• "Session frequency: One study showed that dogs trained once or twice a week performed better than dogs trained daily (read about it in  Companion Animal Psychology)
• Session length: A few minutes at a time go a long way (see more about session setup from  Fear Free Pets)
• Reinforcement timing: A high rate of reinforcement, meaning reinforcing behaviors as frequently as every 2-4 seconds, increases the chances your dog stays engaged and eager in the training session
• Treat choice: Foods that are small, stinky, and squishy often make great treats (for ideas, check out tips from the  Karen Pryor Academy)"

Skimming Superior Info