Topics covered include:

• Timing: Marker training, clickers, "cue, action, reward", brain plasticity, "hints", upping the ante, regression, consistency.
• Technique: The 5 methods for eliciting a behavior (luring, modeling, mimicking, capturing, shaping), adduction, optimal verbal cues and hand signals.
• Motivation: Positive reinforcement, play training, jackpot, prey drive motivators, setting goals, keeping focus.
• Building: Chaining behaviors, optimal schedules of reinforcement, "praise, touch treat-in that order", stress indicators, properly using eye contact.

BIO. . .
Kyra Sundance's world-acclaimed acrobatic Stunt Dog Team has graced premier stages such as The Tonight Show, Ellen, ET, Animal Planet, and NBA, MLB, and AFL halftime shows. They starred Disney's Underdog stage show in Hollywood, and in a command performance in Marrakech for the King of Morocco.

Kyra is nationally ranked in competitive dog sports (including Obedience, Agility, and Hunting), and an experienced set trainer for dog actors. Kyra authored several books and DVD's including the best-selling "101 Dog Tricks" book which has been translated into 15 languages, as well as her newest release "The Dog Rules" (3/09, Simon & Schuster).

With her extensive and varied experience, Kyra takes a "whole dog" approach to training, contending that the training methods are not so important as the underlying commitment to the relationship. "Build a foundation based upon trust, communication, and respect, and the rest will fall into place." Kyra Sundance and her stunt dog team will inspire you to "Do More With Your Dog!®". Kyra Sundance is from Lancaster, CA and can be reached at: kyra@kyra.com

This seminar is intended for new trainers interested in teaching group classes, new private trainers, experienced trainers interested in learning additional training techniques and for those who are interested in developing skills to work with your own dogs. This is an excellent hands-on demonstration video presented by the trainers at the Marin Humane Society in Novato, California. Trisha Breen, Emma Clifford, Patty Gable, Virginia Heath, Kristin Herrera, Carey King, Peggy Lee, Donnel Ellingson, Jane Zabielskis. To learn more about these trainers, click on the about link. This three part video set is menu driven for easy access for review.

Disc One 1 hr 47 min.
Class Orientation: equipment, forms, waivers, dog rules, treats, leash handling, management, relationship training
Class Set-up: teaching in a classroom or outdoors, spacing, chairs, tie-downs, water bowls, assistants, class size
Sit: lure, hand signal, verbal cue, methods to teach
Down: hand signal, verbal cue, methods to teach

Disc Two 1 hr. 7 min
Wait: use of wait, difference between wait/stay, body block, moving wait
Jumping: space management, step on leash, alternate behaviors, modifying behavior
Optional Lessons: attention, small dog pick-up, virtual greeting
Duration: distance, distraction, sit/down stay

Disc Three 1 hr 14 min
Polite Walking: target walking, changing speed, find it, wedding march, small dog
Recalls: “L” come, run away, hide & seek, gates, long-line, really reliable recall, relays, distractions
Discussion on Duration: distance
Common Problems: reactive dogs, non-compliant/difficult clients, expulsion of client, use of less desirable equipment by client, dogs focusing on other dogs
End of Class: rewarding attention, stretching, massage
Conclusion

They go through many easy basic tricks for the pet owner to use at home, or for the trainer to use in class. The second part of the demonstration covers a few more difficult tricks. This is a fun video to watch with easy to follow steps. Taped in Novato, California February, 2008

This is a working seminar using various games and equipment to help polish not only obedience, but is an excellent lead into agility, freestyle, or just plain fun with your dog. Taped in Novato, California February, 2008