Go Say Hi - 1, 2, 3
Another great article by Suzanne Clothier. www.suzanneclothier.com - a must visit for all of those involved with dogs.
Go Say Hi 1 – 2 – 3 involves:
In that 3 – second interval, dogs get a lot of information about each other, much as people learn a lot with just a simple greating and a handshake. At the same time, the interaction is so brief that its hard for trouble to arise if both dogs were under control and responsive to their handlers before being given permission. |
'However, one of the dogs involved must have a reliable call out. If that's true, not matter what happens, one dog is left standing alone.
To teach the call out, the handler steps towards the dogs head, gently taps dog on the shoulder, claps hands near dogs face and calls the dogs name in a very excited happy tone, drawing the dogs attention to him and back, away from the other dog.
The tap & clap helps interrupt the dogs focus on the other dog. The tap is a tactile signal, and the clapping is both audiroty and visual (be sure the handler claps int he dogs visual field). The handlers voice alone may not be enough.
Roughly 800 - 1000 repetitions will make this a very strong, reliable behavior.
Test the call out: offer the dog a treat or toy but do not give it to him. Have the owner call the dog away from that offered treat or toy. If the dog will come away smoothly, he has a reliable call out.
1. Both dogs sitting quietly on a loose lead. No tight leashes! They should be about 1 - 2 handler steps (roughly 6 - 8') from the other dog.
2. When both are ready and agree, handler say, "Go say hi!" give hand signal/gesture and step with their dog towards the other dog & handler as they begin counting 1, 2, 3 leashes must remain loose.
3. Each handler calls their dog out and moves away. Do not pull on the leash!
4. Use praise/treats generously after the dog turns and moves away from the other dog. (Using food to lure the dog can cause serious conflict between the two dogs)
Go Say Hi -1 -2 - 3 can be done just once as a quick greeting, or it can be repeated several times to evaluate how the dogs feel about each other.
If you the 2nd repetition one dog either acts aggressively (Growls, snarls, lunges), do not put these dogs together again without working with them in ways that build their relationship.
If your the 2nd repetition one dog simply ignores the other dog, do not put these dogs together as playmates at this time. The dog doing the ignoring is telling you how she feels! No more repetitions are necessary for such dogs.
But is the dogs seems friendly during 3 repetitions, even eager to meet each other each time, and you see no unfriendly posturing, these dogs will probably be ok as as playmates.
Practice Say Hi - 1 - 2- - 3 with familiar dogs many times so that the dog learns to quickly turn towards you for generous rewards whenever he hears his name.
To teach the call out, the handler steps towards the dogs head, gently taps dog on the shoulder, claps hands near dogs face and calls the dogs name in a very excited happy tone, drawing the dogs attention to him and back, away from the other dog.
The tap & clap helps interrupt the dogs focus on the other dog. The tap is a tactile signal, and the clapping is both audiroty and visual (be sure the handler claps int he dogs visual field). The handlers voice alone may not be enough.
Roughly 800 - 1000 repetitions will make this a very strong, reliable behavior.
Test the call out: offer the dog a treat or toy but do not give it to him. Have the owner call the dog away from that offered treat or toy. If the dog will come away smoothly, he has a reliable call out.
1. Both dogs sitting quietly on a loose lead. No tight leashes! They should be about 1 - 2 handler steps (roughly 6 - 8') from the other dog.
2. When both are ready and agree, handler say, "Go say hi!" give hand signal/gesture and step with their dog towards the other dog & handler as they begin counting 1, 2, 3 leashes must remain loose.
3. Each handler calls their dog out and moves away. Do not pull on the leash!
4. Use praise/treats generously after the dog turns and moves away from the other dog. (Using food to lure the dog can cause serious conflict between the two dogs)
Go Say Hi -1 -2 - 3 can be done just once as a quick greeting, or it can be repeated several times to evaluate how the dogs feel about each other.
If you the 2nd repetition one dog either acts aggressively (Growls, snarls, lunges), do not put these dogs together again without working with them in ways that build their relationship.
If your the 2nd repetition one dog simply ignores the other dog, do not put these dogs together as playmates at this time. The dog doing the ignoring is telling you how she feels! No more repetitions are necessary for such dogs.
But is the dogs seems friendly during 3 repetitions, even eager to meet each other each time, and you see no unfriendly posturing, these dogs will probably be ok as as playmates.
Practice Say Hi - 1 - 2- - 3 with familiar dogs many times so that the dog learns to quickly turn towards you for generous rewards whenever he hears his name.