I'm looking for feedback on the "Finishing Work with Michael Ellis" video. We have a 6 month old puppy and have been working our way through his puppy and training with food videos. I am really, really pleased so far but feel like I'm ready for some more guidance.

At the end of the training with food video he talks about variable reinforcement. I understand the concept but am looking for a more step-by-step explanation that includes things like duration and proofing, and in what order that should all go. Maybe with some clips of students doing these things like in the training with food video.

Does the Finishing Work video cover this stuff?

Thanks much- Carolyn

HI Carolyn,

I think the Finishing Work DVD may be a little advanced for a 6 month old - Michael does talk about variable frequency rewards, but he also introduces aversives. It would be more for a dog that is ready for competition but needs to be weaned off of immediate and frequent rewards. Here is the promo that we ran with the DVD when it was released: https://leerburg.com/flix/player.php/911/Sneak_Peak_at_Finishing_Work:_Reducing_the_Frequency_of_Rewards_and_the_Use_of_Punishment

From the Food and Tug videos, I would progress to the one on Advanced Concepts of Motivation - especially for a pup. There are no aversives in the Motivation DVD.

You may find this clip helpful: https://leerburg.com/flix/player.php/185/Weaning_Dogs_off_of_Food_Rewards_By_Michael_Ellis

This clip with Ann Braue may be helpful as well: https://leerburg.com/flix/player.php/1394/Random_Reinforcement_with_Ann_Braue


Kelly

Carolyn, here is a link to a thread from earlier this year where the video you are interested in is discussed, along with a few others. It might be helpful, or it might confuse you even more. There are a lot of excellent videos to choose from here at LB, and of course you have the opportunity to see clips and read the comprehensive outlines, which should be helpful in your decision.

http://leerburg.com/webboard/thread.php?topic_id=35062&page=1

Thank you both-

In the meantime I did go ahead and purchase the video mostly because I was curious, lol. I'm only about 1/3 of the way through it.

I agree, Kelly, that the info the video covers is too advanced for Greta at 6 months, but I find it helpful to know where I'm eventually supposed to go. I think the Finish Work video answers most of the questions I have. It's one of those things where you watch them all the way through to get the basic understanding of the whole process and then start at the beginning again, watching a little at a time and revisiting as you progress with actual application.

I will check out the Motivation video at some point soon- I'm looking forward to getting back to playing tug after she finishes losing her puppy teeth; almost there!

Also just started her on a lead after watching the leash skills video two or three times. It was very helpful and I am optimistic. The first session she was not happy at all; the second she had a moment or two of indecision and then went with it; by the third she didn't even bat an eye at being lead around on a slip lead.

Best to all- happy solstice / longest day(s) of the year

Incredibly sweet!!!
And - great links from Kelly and Cheri! Good luck further on.