Clean Run Magazine - January 2008 - 47

Reinforcing Successful Contact Performances In addition to reinforcing the dog for getting into the two-on/two-off position, an important part of building speed on the contacts is to make the release exciting for your dog. The two-on/two-off behavior always ends with a release, and I always reinforce that release. Whatever I use as reinforcement must be worthwhile for my dog. The dog must enjoy and be excited about the reward. The result is that the release becomes part of the reinforcement for the dog getting into position. The faster the dog gets into the two-on/two-off position, the quicker he is released to something that he finds very exciting. Arguably, the best reinforcement for your dog in the ring is permission to move on to the next obstacle. You need to reinforce your dog for every successful contact he performs whether you are in the initial stages of training your dog to do the contact or you are an experienced team practicing complicated sequences that include contacts. Working the Contact Obstacle by Itself When rewarding contacts I mix up the reinforcement that I give for the two-on/two-off position as well as the reinforcement that I release the dog to. I use both food and toys. If your dog loves food but doesn’t like toys, then you can use food-stuffable toys. I have also used a Greenie, bully stick, and pig’s ear for the dog to grab and tug with. Food can be delivered to the dog from my hand or, if I am away from the dog’s side, I will throw the food to the dog (you may need to practice accurate throwing). I expect the dog to remain in position on the board and eat the food; then I will release the dog. You can throw toy rewards toward the dog, and then immediately release the dog from position to play with the toy. For example, if I’m ahead of the dog, I will throw the toy back to him and release him. Alternatively, when rewarding with toys, you can tug with the dog while he remains in the two-on/two-off position; then release the dog with a verbal cue and continue to play with him off the board. © CLEAN RUN Unless I am sequencing to another obstacle, tugging with the dog in the two-on/two-off position, or ahead of the dog and throwing the toy back to him, I usually release my dog to a stationary toy placed several feet forward from the base of the plank. On release, my dog drives straight forward to the toy and then we can engage in a vigorous game of tug, building more excitement into both the two-on/two-off position and the release. I also sometimes release my dog and run with him to the hose or pool. Other times I may release the dog to a soccer ball to push around. Use something that your dog really likes. Working the Contact in Sequence When working the complete contact obstacle in a sequence, my position and handling maneuvers vary depending on how the course needs to be handled. I may release the dog immediately after he is in two-on/two-off and allow him to continue the sequence—the next obstacle is the reinforcement. I may throw a toy toward him and then verbally release him to get the toy. Or, I may run in and have a game of tug while he is still on the board. However I decide to reinforce a good response, I always end the two-on/two-off behavior with a release cue. January 08 | Clean Run 47

Clean Run Magazine - January 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - January 2008