Molly and Tasha are working to get ezri's alerts dialed in and consistent. I'm sharing some dialog here, so that others might benefit.
My message to Tasha :
My message to Tasha :
Reviewing scent training in new place:
Go all the way back to the beginning (go back to kindergarten)
Go all the way back to the beginning (go back to kindergarten)
You will be addressing the scent picture with ezri in 2 separate ways:
- with samples
- with real time events.
- with samples
- with real time events.
WITH SAMPLES
Start with very basic "intro" or "refresher" :
3 times per day, present the scent (in container, cupped in your hand). Wait for her to SNIFF (you are looking for SMELLING, not nose touches or retrieves). Mark and reward. For now, give her the reward OVER the scent and as she is finishing the treat, remove the scent (put it behind your back, perhaps). You will only do three repetitions. Do this 3 times today.
Video if you can.
*I will post a video of kiva or Nya doing this step*
Start with very basic "intro" or "refresher" :
3 times per day, present the scent (in container, cupped in your hand). Wait for her to SNIFF (you are looking for SMELLING, not nose touches or retrieves). Mark and reward. For now, give her the reward OVER the scent and as she is finishing the treat, remove the scent (put it behind your back, perhaps). You will only do three repetitions. Do this 3 times today.
Video if you can.
*I will post a video of kiva or Nya doing this step*
Meanwhile: check Molly's BG at regular, close intervals (perhaps every 1.5 hr)
Follow a very consistent protocol.
"Let's check"
Walk to meter together
"Sit"
(Check BG)
Wait for number.
If out of range ( <75 ; > 140. . . Y'all decide on specifics per Molly's goals) :
Share scent** and cue the behavior
Follow a very consistent protocol.
"Let's check"
Walk to meter together
"Sit"
(Check BG)
Wait for number.
If out of range ( <75 ; > 140. . . Y'all decide on specifics per Molly's goals) :
Share scent** and cue the behavior
**Vary the way you share scent. You want to draw her into sniffing molly .
- exhale gently in Ezri's direction OR
- have Molly sit on floor with head in lap (we call it 'crack the egg' when playing on trampoline) OR
- have Molly exhale into cupped hands and then drop her hands near ezri
- exhale gently in Ezri's direction OR
- have Molly sit on floor with head in lap (we call it 'crack the egg' when playing on trampoline) OR
- have Molly exhale into cupped hands and then drop her hands near ezri
Come up with creative ways to get ezri to sniff
AS SOON AS SHE SNIFFS, mark and reward.
*at this point, don't worry about having ezri offer an indication*
Do it like this for 3 days
*at this point, don't worry about having ezri offer an indication*
Do it like this for 3 days
OR :
- hide Molly
- hide Molly
(If you hide Molly, do it just like you would do a controlled retrieve. Make it easy-peasy initially. Like this: Molly Tests and is a "safe low". Have ezri sniff her. Reward. Then tell ezri: "wait". Guide Molly to other side of sofa. Have Molly sit on floor. Return to ezri. Say "where's Molly?" And then "ok" and point towards the direction of Molly. FOLLOW EZRI. When she gets to Molly, REWARD
We will make this progressively harder. She knows this game (you've seen her do it with a toy), so this will be fun!
We will make this progressively harder. She knows this game (you've seen her do it with a toy), so this will be fun!
OR. If Molly tests and is low, get a sample out and have Molly practice scent training with the sample WHILE she is low (but safe) . It ties it all together
Send video if you can.
Do samples 3 times each / 3 times per day. In various locations, at various times of day.
>>>Be sure to do some of the training with samples with Molly in her bed. <<<
Do samples 3 times each / 3 times per day. In various locations, at various times of day.
>>>Be sure to do some of the training with samples with Molly in her bed. <<<
Do real BG checks and training consistently.
We will build on this after 3 days of consistent work
MEANWHILE, practice the behavior you will use as indication (paw touch)
*For now*, review this behavior independent of the scent.
(You will put these pieces together like a chain but let's get the pieces nice and fluent first)
Your goal : Ezri can offer a paw touch, "tag", anytime / anywhere / with any level of distraction.
*For now*, review this behavior independent of the scent.
(You will put these pieces together like a chain but let's get the pieces nice and fluent first)
Your goal : Ezri can offer a paw touch, "tag", anytime / anywhere / with any level of distraction.
But start "in kindergarten": just review and reinforce offering the behavior, then add the cue back. Then move it to different places / different positions (of Molly)
I'll post a video of both kiva and Nya reviewing paw touch too.
