FE375: Is This It? Match To Sample

2.1  TEACH “LOOK AT THIS”

In this exercise, we will be teaching our dogs to “glance or look” at an object when we hold it up and remain on their station. This is the last stage before we begin to introduce and add the verbal MATCH IT cue.  We want to condition our dogs to look at or notice the item we are holding and to wait for our cue.  There is NO cue added for this exercise.

TOOLS: Clicker, Treat Pouch w/Treats, Dog, Station Platform, Working Table, 4 Pairs of Identical known objects (toys or other objects the dog is familiar with), a container to place current working objects in.

HUMAN PRACTICE:  So far you've practiced your clicker mechanical and targeting skills without your dog. This was not only to ensure we had clean mechanical skills but to make sure you were comfortable with how you planned to move and even toss treats to your dog.

We will do the same type of human practice for this exercise.  Before adding your dog into the training picture, I need you to again set up and prepare your equipment.  Once you are ready, go ahead and practice going through all the steps without your dog.  This includes picking up and holding the objects, deciding what hand your clicker will be in and how you will be giving treats or tossing treat reinforcement to the station.

Please don’t skip the Human Practice. We need at least one piece of the team knowing what they’re doing, and this type of pre-practice is a great way to do it. 

You’ll not only be testing your mechanics but also taking a look at the suitability of the objects you have chosen; can they be easily placed, won’t tip over or roll off the table, and whether your dog’s station is placed far enough away or close enough to the working table.

HINT: If you don’t already do it, consider preparing your training area and equipment before you bring your dog into the work area or at the very least park your dog on their station as you set up.  This type of advance preparation allows us to completely concentrate on our dogs and helps tell the dog when they need to be focused and ready to work.  It also helps to eliminate our dogs from engaging early with the equipment before we're ready to work.

STEP 1. PRACTICE WITHOUT DOG
a) Place your first group of 4 pairs of known objects in a container that allows you easy access to pick up.  
    A container helps to keep the objects contained, visually obscured and less of a distraction for the dog.
b) Set up your equipment and practice going through all the motions you may need.  This includes holding 
    up each of the objects you will be presenting to your dog.  

STEP 2. ADD THE DOG
a) Your working table will be clear of all objects. 
b) The dog will start and remain on or return to the default position on the station during the whole exercise
c) Sitting at your table hold up one single object; approximately shoulder or your head height and either in your left
    or right hand.
d) Click when the dog looks at the object, lower object and toss the treat to the dog on the station.
e) Reinforce dog multiple times on station between repetitions of holding up each object.
    Sequence:  Show object, C/T when the dog looks, lower object, toss treat. The dog remains on the station, C/T
    multiple times before next repetition.
f) Vary the side you present the item i.e. if you’ve been presenting all objects on your left, now switch to the right.
g) Repeat sequence through all 4 pairs of the known objects.
    You may present the same object multiple times before switching to the next object.
h) BREAK – end sessions with play, treat scatter or any other type of interaction your dog prefers.

Here is Ollie doing the "Look At this" exercise.  His owner is clicking when he glances at the object she presents.  At this time there is no cue.

Ollie makes a mistake and moves towards the table as his owner lifts the object.  She quickly lowers the object and Ollie defaults back to his station. 

STEP 3.
REPEAT STEP 2. 3-5 X depending on your dog's success.  Your goal is to ensure your dogs remain on their station when you present the object and to only come to the table later when cued to do so.

SPECIAL NOTES:

> Your dog should remain on their station throughout the LOOK AT OBJECT exercise. 
> If they move from the station, remove the object from sight, pause and wait for them to return to the station, C/T
   the return, reinforce multiple times before presenting again.
> If the dog hesitates too long in their return use a reset toss straight past the station to help them reset. 
> Try to refrain from pointing or asking your dogs to go back to their station unless they appear to require
   assistance.
> If your dog is consistently moving off their station, break off your training session and revisit station training;
   magnetizing the station even further.
> You can certainly take a break at any time during this training – try not to work too long – this is hard work for
   your dogs.