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Corrections
Aug. 21st, 2013 06:09 pmI am reminded of a few somethings as I walk through the door from a very successful morning of work. (2.9 miles, btw)
Corrections are not only applied to the animal. People don't see this dynamic between guide and handler, but it's true. The handler's commands, tone and attitude all influence how the guide will perform the commands given to it, and how effectively and safely the team can travel as a result. Here are some of the problem areas of which I was mindful this morning:
1) Tone is (almost) everything. During obedience this morning I kept my tone level but firm and I took my time with my commands. Result: better obedience. I carried this observation over to our work out and about this morning.
2) Taking the time to pause and give the next command without rushing actually reduces stress and anxiety and inhibits the tendency of the guide to "anticipate" a command. It's not always possible to take enough time to accomplish, and I get that but there is no sense deliberately making travel stressful when it doesn't need to be. See: Einstein's definition of stupidity.
3) I worked at staying focused on the pace of the team and the guide determine the pace helps too. i paid attention this time, and whenever I thought i was going too fast, or Tucker was too distracted...THOSE were the times my mind had wandered or I had otherwise become inattentive.
4) I deliberately used more verbal corrections. I wanted to see if the contrast with the calmer tone made a difference. It did. Tucker required only two leash corrections: 1 for an anticipation that was not corrected by verbal command, and another when he failed to hear a command followed by a verbal correction because he was distracted by something on the other side of the intersection.
5) We arrived at El Cerrito Plaza, walking at a normal pace; no racing, no excitement, no trying to get to P-E-T-C-O, no moping (though he did go slower) when he realised that was not our destination. We did well in the drug store, he followed same calmly-given commands, didn't try to race off after every distraction.
So really, mainly our problem is operator error. Of course it is; it was not like it was any surprise to me. I was not behaving as Tucker's pack leader before. Today, when I asserted pack leadership calmly and firmly the result was a good walk. I took charge not only of the mechanics but the emotions behind the walk. A very good lesson in how animals pick up on our "vibes" and just how sensitive they are to emotional changes. Very interesting lesson. Hope I can remember it...
Corrections are not only applied to the animal. People don't see this dynamic between guide and handler, but it's true. The handler's commands, tone and attitude all influence how the guide will perform the commands given to it, and how effectively and safely the team can travel as a result. Here are some of the problem areas of which I was mindful this morning:
1) Tone is (almost) everything. During obedience this morning I kept my tone level but firm and I took my time with my commands. Result: better obedience. I carried this observation over to our work out and about this morning.
2) Taking the time to pause and give the next command without rushing actually reduces stress and anxiety and inhibits the tendency of the guide to "anticipate" a command. It's not always possible to take enough time to accomplish, and I get that but there is no sense deliberately making travel stressful when it doesn't need to be. See: Einstein's definition of stupidity.
3) I worked at staying focused on the pace of the team and the guide determine the pace helps too. i paid attention this time, and whenever I thought i was going too fast, or Tucker was too distracted...THOSE were the times my mind had wandered or I had otherwise become inattentive.
4) I deliberately used more verbal corrections. I wanted to see if the contrast with the calmer tone made a difference. It did. Tucker required only two leash corrections: 1 for an anticipation that was not corrected by verbal command, and another when he failed to hear a command followed by a verbal correction because he was distracted by something on the other side of the intersection.
5) We arrived at El Cerrito Plaza, walking at a normal pace; no racing, no excitement, no trying to get to P-E-T-C-O, no moping (though he did go slower) when he realised that was not our destination. We did well in the drug store, he followed same calmly-given commands, didn't try to race off after every distraction.
So really, mainly our problem is operator error. Of course it is; it was not like it was any surprise to me. I was not behaving as Tucker's pack leader before. Today, when I asserted pack leadership calmly and firmly the result was a good walk. I took charge not only of the mechanics but the emotions behind the walk. A very good lesson in how animals pick up on our "vibes" and just how sensitive they are to emotional changes. Very interesting lesson. Hope I can remember it...
