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We're going to give this months trick a whirl. I'll need to reread the website again before giving Basil breakfast so we're both dialed in.
Posts by Basil_the_Spoo
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We're still learning take it and we're making progress. Are there any tips to helping Basil understand when I say "take it" that she can go?
Sometimes she confused and sits there still after I say "take it".. like she's needing extra confirmation that she won't be stopped when going for the treat.
Out of about ~8 tries, the first 4 she's really confident when I say "take it", then it's hers. Then towards the end of trick lesson time, she slows down as to think, "I just heard him say "take it", but did he really mean it? I'll just sit here and watch until I'm 100% sure." So, I end up trying to say it with a lighter & happier tone... or I end up taping my foot by a mound of chicken on the floor repeating "take it" as to affirm her that now is it okay. Then once she does, "yes" followed by "take it" again to try and reaffirm her that that word means okay-for-treat-in-my-mouth.
I'm not sure there's something I'm missing to help her draw the connection. We're doing steps 1-4 according to the directions.
Sometimes she confused and sits there still after I say "take it".. like she's needing extra confirmation that she won't be stopped when going for the treat.
Out of about ~8 tries, the first 4 she's really confident when I say "take it", then it's hers. Then towards the end of trick lesson time, she slows down as to think, "I just heard him say "take it", but did he really mean it? I'll just sit here and watch until I'm 100% sure." So, I end up trying to say it with a lighter & happier tone... or I end up taping my foot by a mound of chicken on the floor repeating "take it" as to affirm her that now is it okay. Then once she does, "yes" followed by "take it" again to try and reaffirm her that that word means okay-for-treat-in-my-mouth.
I'm not sure there's something I'm missing to help her draw the connection. We're doing steps 1-4 according to the directions.
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2,633 Posts
We learned "take it" with reliably.
"Drop it" was more challenging for her understand or me to teach. But, I want to think we made baby steps because there were maybe 3 times during the month where she traded me for a higher valued toy or treat during our walks.. like many treats for a smelly dirty napkin. I did my best to mark the behavior with "yes" then "drop it" with an enthusiastic praise and amount of treats. But now I know what to look out for too. I'm optimistic we'll get there eventually.
In addition, Basil loves "touch". We practice this one tons and she'll nose boop to tell me she wants treats. Sometimes when we cross the street I'll ask for "touch" so she will keep nose booping my hip until we safely cross... So, that's good.
Basil is looking forward to practicing January!
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