Back when we first started working with Wendy the Trainer she asked lots of questions about what types of services we'd ultimately like for Charlie to provide. Near the top of our list were things related to safety, and in particular, herding and tracking Tim.
One game that she suggested to get Charlie used to tracking Tim was hide-n-seek. It's pretty basic and Tim gets quite a chuckle out of it. It goes something like this:
1. Put Charlie in a Sit-Stay;
2. Give Tim a treat to hold making sure that Charlie sees it;
3. Tell Tim to go hide (when we first met Charlie we never had Tim hide very far away but now he can even go upstairs and hide);
4. Tell Charlie to "Find Tim" and then issue the release command ("OK").
It seems to be great fun for both of them and leaves them both feeling successful in the game. Our plan is to keep honing this skill so that one day, should the need ever arise, we'll be able to rely on Charlie to keep Tim safe. Just another of the countless reasons we're thankful for Chuck!
7 comments:
oh my gosh, Carolyn - that is wonderful! I remember when I lost NBear when she was younger because she hid behind some boxes, and I nearly DIED not being able to find her! (At that time she didn't respond to her name). I'm so glad Tim's got Charlie!
Glad to hear you've been implementing this!
Can't resist the training advice though - now that they both "get" the game, make it less staged. Put Charlie outside to play or for a bathroom break, have Tim go hide (with a treat), and then when Charlie comes in have him go find tim. Makes it more like a real life situation. Want to make sure that the "game" still applies in a different context to Charlie.
Ahh, sage advice Wendy! We'll start the new strategy as soon as the rain stops!
You could have Tim hide in the yard too - start getting Charlie used to finding him outside as well.
I know what you mean about the IEPs! Even as a teacher, and having been at a gazillion of those meetings, it certainly is different when you're on the other side of the table for your OWN child. On another note, ff they want to save money on this whole school budget thing - I'd suggest axing the immense paperwork load that comes with IEPs! *lol*
Tim and Charlie are perfectly matched for cuteness. To die for!
Carolyn,
I'll add Lola to the list. Thanks for "voting". I'm sorry that you're having trouble adding my blog to your list. (frustrating) Did you try deleting the old 'favorite' and adding this? http://www.ournorthstarexperience.blogspot.com
Please let me know if I can help.
BTW, I am really enjoying reading your blog.
Thanks!
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