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MJ meets Donna and Michael |
This past weekend, Donna and Michael, interested in fostering MJ, came to meet her! Kasey, one of our trainers, gave MJ's potential family ways to ease the transition and keep her training consistent. We also thought they were great reminders for any pet parent!
Reinforcing Behaviors. Every interaction with MJ is a training session! She is very smart and picks up things very quickly, so be cautious of what behaviors you might be reinforcing.
Eye Contact. Wait for MJ to look at you – get her attention before you tell her what you want her to do.
Give Her Name Meaning. Only say her name once so that her name has meaning and is not ignored. If she does not respond, clap your hands, make kissing noises, etc. Repeating her name causes MJ to learn she can wait to respond on the fourth or fifth time instead of the first!
Ask Only Once. The key is to get MJ to listen the first time you ask her to do something. Just like responding to her name, she must know that she can't wait until she's been asked to do a behavior multiple times!
Avoid Associating Her Name with Negativity. Do not use MJ’s name when she does something wrong. Just correct her so she does not associate her name with bad things.
High Quality Treats. Use high value treats when training her. The better the reward, the stronger the motivation!
Sit, Please! MJ should sit and wait before going out, and offer sit as a behavior for things she wants!
Kasey gave exercises for Donna and Michael to do with MJ, such as the "Name Game"; Every time MJ responds to her name she is rewarded. Simple games like this help reinforce the bond and trust between you and your pet, and reinforce behaviors such as recall. Our pet guests who receive training during their stay go home with a packet that includes many of these exercises!
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Hugs from her new family! |