Finn On Contacts-Woo Hoo and Rachelle Learns Something Too!

I've only done this 4 or 5 times with him - I'm only using kibble, but think I will start using higher value treats for the better contacts.

Funny story: A couple of nights ago, I realized we had tried the elevated plank only in the living room, so I thought we'd try a new location. It was the dining room, just a few feet away, but still a little bit different environment. Because it was on a hardwood floor, I took the rug from the front door and placed in under the end of the contact. It stuck out about a foot and 1/2 on either side of the board. Finn approached the board and promptly laid down on the rug next to it...hmm, that's odd. I waited him out and he seemed confused. More waiting...then he took the end position and received his click, treat and release. Now usually he will hop right back onto the plank, but not this time...he laid down again and looked at me as if to say, "Where's the treat?". So, by now I'm really confused and thinking, "Gosh, I thought he knew this better. Does moving to a new location make such a difference? How? Why? And why the heck isn't he doing better?"...yes, all those thoughts ran through my head in about 5 seconds or so. Ok, back on the board, click, treat, release and end of session.

I then put the plank away and pick up the mat to place back in front of the door when the virtual light bulb goes off in my head (DUH moment approaching folks!). About 5 or 6 weeks ago, I used the mat in the middle of the living room floor. When Finn would go to the mat and lie down I would click and treat. He caught on to that one VERY quickly. And, it obviously stuck - good dog; too bad about the handler! Well, at least I figured it out and will be careful about my props in the future. Enjoy your dogs - they are smarter than we realize.