Patio Dog Training Day 3
TAKING OUR RELAXATION WORK ON THE ROAD.
When we start we want to take the time to find a suitable place to practice.
A Park bench or picnic in a quiet park or quiet street where you will be able to sit undisturbed for 10-15 minutes
Try to go during quieter times of day when less people are out, or maybe to places not used certain days or times of day (like a school on the weekend, church during the week, ball field, etc)
I like a bench where I can really see for a far distance so I won't be surprised by anyone, picking benches sort of near a street usually means fewer chances for loose dogs
I will find my spot, then make a comfy spot for my dog by placing out a small rug or mat (I really like the dirty dog mats).
I sit down on the bench
Set a chew or stuffed food toy on the mat, I pick something that will last a little while but not a long while, so I like things like a collegen chew, greenie, kong with some stuffing. Over like a bully stick/rawhide, etc that might last a long time that she won't want to leave as I only want to be there for 10-15 minutes at most
I don't cue my dog to lay down or do anything, I let them take in the environment and decide on their own if they want to chew
If my dog has resource guarding issues with food I will give them a toy instead and just wait until they have settled
I will have treats with me incase some distractions come up like dogs or people talking to them incase I need to help them with their behaviors, but I am not going to use treats to get them to lay down or settle, again my goal is actual settling and often treats gets them thinking about how to get more treats
Once your dog has finished their chew go ahead and get up and head out. If you want to leave and they haven't finished the chew, see if they will leave it to chase some tossed treats
If any dogs do come onto the scene while they are chewing try to move your dog away, I usually try to park near where I am sitting, so if I see dogs approaching I let my dog carry their chew into the car as the dogs go by
This only works if you have a safe location to let them chew! If you can't find that, then instead of a chew use a toy and stay for a shorter time, or use nothing and just stay for a shorter time! Safety first!!!
Another option if your dog really struggles to settle is to have them in their crate in the car and open the back of the car up and sit with them chilling in their crate (or in the car on a leash) and let them take in the environment from the car where they might feel more secure and it might be a good way to start if you feel nervous about it
If you can't find an appropriate bench you could bring a folding chair to a sniffspot or other quiet spot where you know you will not have to deal with unexpected things