Katie, thanks, that helps!

Im glas someone else asked for further explanation of the circle track, I didn't want to sound like too much of a dink!

 Quote: Jennifer Lee

Im glas someone else asked for further explanation of the circle track, I didn't want to sound like too much of a dink!

Not that long ago I didn't have a clue either.

Make sure you check out Sue Miller's video that Steve linked to earlier in this thread too -- it's a great visual of the desired behavior you're looking for in the dog.

And, you're welcome, Lynne!

Katie

Thank you for that explanation everyone. I was sitting here trying to figure out how it worked as it seemed like a fun and interesting concept. I will give it a try. Thanks again.

-Lamarr

 Quote: jennifer lee

Im glas someone else asked for further explanation of the circle track, I didn't want to sound like too much of a dink!

Jennifer, you have got to try this with Yote!

I did exactly as Katie described, in my fenced-in back yard. The grass is probably 3" high.

I did a small diameter (6-7 feet) circle, and baited each step w/ 2-3 pieces of Orijen kibble (this is a small kibble). Chula watched me from our enclosed patio, but then I took her inside for a few minutes to let it age.

Brought her out and started her on it, and just let her go. It took her 10 minutes to make her way around the circle; she got off track twice, but immediately found her way back to the circle. I didn't guide her; in fact I unclipped her leash once she was on the track and just observed her.

I think it took her so long because the grass (sod) we have here has a very fibrous root system that's actually above the soil line, and the kibble was getting stuck down in the roots. She was having to root around a bit to find each piece.

It was one of the coolest things I've seen! I will try it again tonight in a different spot and use cheese, and make the circle a little bigger.

Katie, thanks again for your explanation...

I am going to try it with Loki in the morning, he is a hound after all, and naturally walks with his nose to the ground.
Plus he is much much slower and calmer than my spaz puppy.

I figure that way I can troubleshoot and see how it should go before I try it with Yote!

Lynne, that's fantastic! Great job, Chula!

Using the kibble is fine -- cheese might be much more attractive to ants...

I know the Florida grass you're referring to -- it's actually great that she can't see the bait and is having to use a deep nose to find it!

Also, I wouldn't worry about the leash too much -- the more she becomes desensitized to it being there and/or a bit of a distraction if she gets momentarily tangled or steps on it the better.

 Quote: Lynne Barrows

It was one of the coolest things I've seen!

I agree -- watching the dog self-discover is very cool! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

Katie

Loki and I tried a circle track this morning. He tried to shut down a couple of times because he didn't know what he was supposed to do, but I just stood there and held the leash without giving him any cues until he figured out to take another step to the next treat.

I am really proud of him!

I think now that I have done it once with him and saw how it works in action I will try it with Yote.

I'll keep everyone posted.
I see no reason why he won't do great at it, but I will have to work to keep him going slow.

Hi Jennifer,

If Loki continues to seem a little confused the next couple of times on the circle track you can try just walking up to it and gently brushing a footstep that has a piece of food in it with your hand to get him to continue trying.

If he is looking at you for direction -- try focusing on the circle track yourself and see if he doesn't take a cue from you with that.

What you're trying to avoid is a lot of verbal commands and directing with the leash.

If you think the dog needs some reinforcement when they're right -- give praise in a soft, unexcited tone..."good boy" or "good girl."

You may also want to try introducing him to scent pads -- that may help him make the connection on the circle track.

Did Loki pick up speed today?

Katie

He is just really easy to confuse and stress out. He is not the smartest dog in the pack!!
But he is sweet and eager to learn and please.
I did point to the first footstep a couple of times once he was not trying to lay down and show me his belly.
I just told him your ok! in my soft voice when he would start to get stressed.
By about 5 steps in he had it figured out