ES Week 7

It is important to start to build a solid foundation of skills. Body Handing is ongoing and involves lots of practice. It can be done in short sessions throughout the day in order to set the pup up for success by keeping skill training fun and expectations consistent. Body handling is the process of teaching our puppies to accept all parts of their body being handled while remaining calm while we touch and move all parts of their body.
This is beneficial for health/Vet visits. These skills also help with body sensitivities to equipment the pup may need to wear such as boots or coat.

Remember, Body handling should be a calm, gentle process – it’s not a time for cuddles or play – that can come later! Take extra care around your pup’s teeth, ears and paws – these areas are crucial for Body Handling but many pups find the handling of these areas strange at first.

Start by Teaching the “Close” position:

1. Start by crouching on the ground with the puppy in front of you, facing you. 
2. Place your right knee on the ground – If pup is on a lead put the lead under your knee so both hands are free 3. Use your left hand to lure the pup from your right knee in a circle until they are between your legs facing away from you 
3. Tilt your lure back over the pup’s head so they go into a sit 
4. Mark and pay 
5. Put your knee down so you are kneeling with pup sitting between your legs and place your two hands on the pup’s chest 
6. Repeat steps 1-6 until pup is quickly and easily moving into position as you lure
7. Repeat steps 1-6 but this time say the word “close” just as their bottom touches the ground Do this 3 times 9. Fade the lure and work on duration – Reward pup for being still and calm. Ignore any wriggling or mouthing.
8. Do this 3 times
9. Fade the lure and work on duration – Reward pup for being still and calm. Ignore any wriggling or mouthing.

Handling Method

NOTE: For pups over 3 weeks, all handling starts in the “Close” position.

Ears

1. Gently hold the puppy’s chin with one hand then use the other hand to lift their ear 
2. Look inside and smell their ear for any signs of infection 
3. Repeat with the other ear 
4. Gentle praise, reward

Eyes

1. Hold puppy’s chin gently and look at each eye 
2. Gentle praise, reward

Teeth

1. Gently hold pup’s chin and use the other hand to lift pup’s chin on one side to look at their teeth 
2. Repeat on the other side 
3. Gentle praise, reward

Legs and paws

1. Run your hand down one of pup’s legs to their paw 
2. Feel between the pads on their paw 
3. Gentle praise, reward
4. Repeat with other 3 paws 

Vet Restraint

1. Use your left hand to gently restrain pup’s head against your chest so they are looking towards your left 
2. Run your right hand down the back of the pup’s right leg to their elbow then raise their leg (it should be outstretched as if for a blood draw) 
3. Mark and pay 
4. Switch so pup is facing the opposite way and the other leg is outstretched 
5. Gentle praise, reward

 Lay Over

1. Place one arm underneath pup’s front legs
2. Lift your arm (therefore lifting the pup’s front legs)
3. Lean down until you are lying over the top of the dog 
4. Remove your hand from under the pup 
5. Gentle praise, reward

Release cue

1. Tell the puppy “Go free” and allow them to break position 
2. Give them a pat and plenty of praise

Teach the “Close” position

1. Start by crouching on the ground with the puppy in front of you, facing you. 
2. Place your right knee on the ground – If pup is on a lead put the lead under your knee so both hands are free 3. Use your left hand to lure the pup from your right knee in a circle until they are between your legs facing away from you 
3. Tilt your lure back over the pup’s head so they go into a sit 
4. Mark and pay 
5. Put your knee down so you are kneeling with pup sitting between your legs and place your two hands on the pup’s chest 
6. Repeat steps 1-6 until pup is quickly and easily moving into position as you lure
7. Repeat steps 1-6 but this time say the word “close” just as they’re bottom touches the ground Do this 3 times 9. Fade the lure and work on duration – Reward pup for being still and calm. Ignore any wriggling or mouthing.

At 8 weeks old, puppies receive their first vaccines amongst many others that they will receive during their lives. Spending some time beforehand and allowing puppies to become familiar with equipment and procedures that veterinarians will use during their appointment will help prepare puppies for their first vaccines.

Equipment

Procedure

Remember to take each step slowly and at the puppy’s pace. If the puppy begins to display more than two stress signals, take a short break before continuing. 

Use the children’s doctor kit to do the following procedures

1.  Hold pup, using stethoscope, pretend to listen to chest and stomach
2. Introduce puppy passively to rubber gloves, nail clippers, letting the puppy see and sniff each item
3. Use the otoscope to pretend to look inside the puppy’s ears and their eyes
4. Place cotton ball on puppy’s shoulder to mimic where the doctor would give a vaccine
5. Gently restrain puppy for 5 seconds

To increase pup’s confidence and exposure to nail clipping, try using clippers to cut small pieces off a wooden skewer next to puppy to acclimate them to the sound of the nail cutting. Rewarding pup with food after each clip creates a positive association to the sound of the clipping happening right near the puppy’s feet.

Have Brood in with pups (ensure Brood knows and is comfortable with onlookers) 

Short visits initially and end on a positive before pup displays stress signals 

Repeat a second time for confidence building. Pup has been there so building up more positive associations around changing environments 

Use bedding that has the pups/Brood scent on it 

Bring familiar toys 

No new people in with pups. Staff are a familiar like toys and blankets. Limit new learning to sights, smells, sounds in new environment.

Ensure pups have been introduced to van per previous protocols.

Session 1

1. Put puppies in the van – ensure you practice door manners 
2. Go for a short trip within the guide dogs center – less than 5 mins

 Session 2

1. Put puppies in the van – ensure you practice door manners 2. Go for a short trip around the center or to a close-by destination (don’t get the pups out, though!) – less than 10 mins 

Session 3 Onwards

If puppies are comfortable (scoring a 4 or higher), you can start to take them to various places offsite – Maximum 25 minute drive unless approved by the litter socialisation team.

Introduce pups to the room prior to placing it in hydrobath. 

No water initially. Non slip mat on floor 

Pups in pairs 

Familiar toys for play 

Voice and touch for reassurance 

Time ending so it is a short brief positive experience 

Goal: To allow each puppy to explore multiple sound objects with a handler and to be comfortable with a variety of sounds. 

Items pictured: Dancing and singing doll, children’s toy that plays fire truck noises, tin can with pebbles inside, children’s toy drum. Use the drum sticks to make noise. 

To prepare the designated space for this curriculum, please complete the following steps. 

1.   Gather 4-5 noise objects and 2 handheld noise objects. Remember variety when selecting objects. 
2.   Place the handheld noise objects on a nearby counter or out of the puppy’s reach.  
3.   Arrange the objects in a circle spread apart enough for the puppy and handler to move around comfortably. 

You are now ready to retrieve the first puppy you are working with. 

1.   Allow the puppy to explore the room upon entering for up to 30 seconds. 
2.   Use the hand-held noise objects when the puppy is playing and exploring the room. 
3.   Encourage the puppy to explore each of the objects with you. Reward the puppy with praise, petting, and food rewards. 
4.   Continue around the circle in the same manner.

As puppies get older, continue to use safe items that puppies haven’t seen before. You can use the items that are already in the kennel area. Items pictured: Wet floor sign, rubber boot, upright vacuum, stepstool. Be creative while keeping safety and biosecurity in mind. 

Goal: To allow the puppy to explore multiple novel objects with a handler and to be comfortable with novel objects.

To prepare your designated space for this activity, please complete the following steps. 

1.   Gather 4-5 novel objects. Remember variety when selecting objects. 
2.   Arrange the objects in a circle spread apart enough for the puppy and handler to move around comfortably. 

You are now ready to retrieve the first puppy you are working with. 

1.   Allow the puppy to explore the room upon entering for up to 30 seconds. 
2.   Encourage the puppy to explore each of the objects with you. Reward the puppy with praise, petting, and food rewards. 

3.    Continue around the circle in the same manner.

Goal: For the puppy to confidently explore each surface with a handler.

Items pictured: Plastic lattice, metal tray, plastic tarp, plastic grate, textured sensory balance pad.  

1.   Choose a variety of 4-5 surfaces. Items can be different heights, just be mindful of the puppy’s height, do not make it unsafe for the puppy.
2.   Arrange the items in a circle with enough distance for the puppy to walk        comfortably around each item.

You are now ready to retrieve the first puppy you are working with. 

1.   Allow the puppy to explore the room upon entering for up to 30 seconds.
2.   Encourage the puppy to climb on or walk over all of the surfaces.  Reward the puppy with praise, petting, and food rewards. 

3.    Continue around the circle in the same manner.

Goal: To allow the puppy to explore multiple motion objects with a handler and to be comfortable with walking on unstable objects and moving objects. 

Items pictured: Vacuum, toy scooter, balance board, children’s skateboard.

To prepare the designated space for this activity, please complete the following steps. 

1.   Gather 4-5 motion objects. Remember variety when selecting objects. 
2.   Arrange the objects in a circle spread apart enough for the puppies and handler to move around comfortably. 

You are now ready to retrieve the first puppy you are working with. 

1.   Allow the puppies to explore the room upon entering for up to 30 seconds. 
2.   Encourage the puppies to explore each of the objects with you. Make sure to create positive experiences for the puppy by pushing movable objects away from the puppy. Reward the puppy with praise, petting, and food rewards. 

3.    Continue around the circle in the same manner.

The handler can take pup outside of the den for one on one time away from the littermate. Again, a very brief experience will aid new learning and build confidence and resilience. Return pup to Brood for a comfort feed. 

Only extend time away from littermates once pups are comfortable and have confidence in the handler. Pups are learning the handler will not ask pup to do more than it is capable of doing. Building trust between handler and pup is ongoing.

Goal: To establish a bond between puppy and handler and to teach puppies that following the handler is a fun and rewarding experience.

Connecting with puppy: It is important to connect with the puppy before starting any activity. This involves letting the puppy know that you are super fun and it is fun to follow you. 

How to Begin Follow Me

Step 1:  “Let’s Go”
Prerequisite: Connection made 

• Begin in a familiar area with few distractions – a quiet hallway for example. Say “Let’s Go” and start walking forward from your pup.
• When the pup catches up with you, throw a puppy party!
• A puppy party is a prolonged period (5 or more seconds) of verbal praise, happy/excited body language by the handler, and high value rewards (given one at a time). A party is used to tell the dog, “Wow! That was awesome! You are a genius!” It’s used to emphasize breakthroughs or exceptional efforts by the dog, and to reward difficult choices (usually in distracting situations).
• Say “Let’s Go” again moving away from your pup once more.
• When pup joins you throw another puppy party.
• In the early stages of Follow Me you may be hosting frequent puppy parties, but as the pup’s understanding progresses, you will reserve parties for the next level of exceptional efforts. 

Step 2: “This Way”
Prerequisite: Directional change, Connection is still solid when moving 

• Find an area where you can easily change direction.
• Say, “Let’s Go” and walk forward away from your pup.
• As the pup naturally moves in your direction, say “This Way” and change direction.
• As pup follows your change in direction immediately throw a puppy party.
• Say,”Let’s Go” and move away again from your pup.
• As the pup naturally moves in your direction, say “This Way” then change direction again. As the pup follows your change in direction, immediately throw another puppy party. 

Step 3: Increasing the distance and directional changes
Prerequisite: Connection remains intact with directional changes 

• Stay in a familiar area when you begin increasing the distance and increasing directional changes.
• As in previous steps, say “Let’s Go” and move away from your pup increasing your distance. Remember to stop and praise the pup often for choosing to follow you.
• Be unpredictable. Don’t stop in the same spot and be sure to change direction and the number of steps you take. You want the pup to think “I really have to pay attention to the person.” 

What Successful Follow Me Looks Like

• Pup starts off attentive to you and chooses to follow you without any coaxing or luring.
• You reward the pup’s voluntary decision to follow.
• Pup follows you and works to keep up with you even when you turn, change your pace and eventually in the presence of distractions.
• Pup may briefly stop and investigate something then quickly catches up with you. 

Problem Solving 

• If the pup stops following STOP AND SILENTLY WAIT for the pup to “rediscover” you. When the pup reconnects, praise and throw a really big “puppy party.”
• If the pup seems to have completely forgotten you, return to the pup and reconnect (Step 1) reminding the pup that you are super fun to be with.
• If connection is lost you may need to pick the pup up and move to a less distracting area and reconnect. If Pup passes you, test the connection by saying “This way!” and change your direction. If the pup follows you throw a puppy party. If the pup doesn’t follow then STOP AND SILENTLY WAIT for the pup to “rediscover” you. When the pup reconnects, praise and throw a puppy party. If pup still hasn’t responded, you will need to go back to “Making the Connection”.
• Avoid the nagging trap. Repeating the pup’s name or calling the pup to you may result in the pup tuning you out as well as diminishing the importance of the pup’s name. All you need to say is “Let’s Go” or “This Way.”
• If you are repeating the pup’s name or calling the pup to you, then you have lost the connection and you need to go back to “Making the Connection” 

Key Points 

• Follow Me is not only about the pup being connected. It is also about the person being connected. You need to be aware of the pup’s location and his mental state at all times.
• Developing a solid connection will help you and the pup during socialization experiences. The pup learns that wherever he goes he will understand that it is his responsibility to keep track of his partner. Short sessions + frequent practice = success: Practice in different locations inside and outside with few distractions.
• With frequent practice, your connection strengthens and the better you begin to work as a team. Establish a connection before saying, “Let’s Go” then leaving.
• Change your speed and direction saying, “This way” so pup knows you are turning, and then turn. Be unpredictable. Frequent changes in direction and speed keep the pup from anticipating your next move. 

The foundation to leash walking builds off of the goals of follow me: 

•       Pup starts off attentive to you and chooses to follow you without any coaxing or luring.
•       You reward the pup’s voluntary decision to follow.
•       Pup follows you and works to keep up with you even when you turn

The only addition is a leash! To prepare for this activity, gather a leash and treat bag filled puppies’ kibble before getting a puppy to work with. SInce this is the first time the puppy has been on leash, it is important to set the puppy up for success with a distraction-free environment such as an empty room or inside of an x-pen in a safe area.  

1.   Connect the puppy’s collar to the leash and give them a food reward
2.   Tell the puppy “Let’s Go” and take a few steps 
3.   Praise the puppy for walking with you.
4.   Continue with the regular follow me protocol around the room twice
5.   Make sure to keep the session short and fun!

Troubleshooting:

If the puppy bites the leash and is having difficulty focusing on the activity:

• Call the puppy and wait for the puppy to take their mouth off of the leash. Reward the puppy with a treat. When the puppy begins to focus on you, reward the puppy again and continue. 

If the puppy “puts on the breaks” and refuses to move forward:

• First, observe the puppy’s body language. Is the puppy showing any fearful or overstimulated behavior? If so, it may be best to end the session and try again later. If the puppy is displaying calm behavior, hold the leash still and tell the puppy “Let’s Go”. Wait until the puppy moves towards you and give verbal praise.
• Note: It is important to not lure the puppy with a treat in this case or the puppy will quickly learn that in order to receive a treat, they just need to put on the breaks and refuse to walk.

When to do the activity: 

Bringing the puppies in from the yard

Materials needed: Treat pouch with the litter’s food

This activity assumes you have worked on “Introducing Recall” shown from week 4.

When you are ready to leave the yard, say “Puppy, Puppy” to and give each puppy a treat. Exit the yard and encourage the puppies to follow you by saying “let’s go” once. Give the puppies a treat when they come into their back kennel. 

Troubleshooting: 

The puppies won’t come to you or follow you out of the yard

• Decrease the distance between you and the puppies in the yard. Cue the puppy by saying “Puppy, Puppy” and treat them when they come to you. 

Equipment Required:

• 3-5 different surface types – one surface should be a tray from a crate with water in it to simulate walking through puddles.
• Treats
• Space to spread out the surfaces

Protocol:

Spread out the surfaces in the play area of the run ensuring there is plenty of room between them so you can see if pup tries to avoid any 

1. Have pup off lead and allow them to explore in their own time for a minute or 2 
2. Start to encourage pup to go over different surfaces using your voice or stuffed toys. 
3. Praise them for going over any under-footings 
4. Play with them within the area to keep it fun and light 
5. Once pup is comfortable (equivalent of scoring a 5), the following session you can repeat with different surfaces and/or do the session at a different location.

Taking puppies for cart rides has many benefits especially for puppies that aren’t experienced with leash walking. The cart allows puppies to experience new environments passively while keeping biosecurity in mind. 

Biosecurity Warning!
Make sure you consider the biosecurity needs of your puppies when trying this activity. For more information, see our Biosecurity page.

Goal: To expose puppies to new sights, sounds, smells and change of environment. 

Protocol

1. Allow the puppies time to relieve before placing them in the appropriate cart.
2. Make sure you take a few soft toys for the puppies to play with or as back up to redirect puppies if they chew on the cart.
3. Only take puppies in designated biosecure area
4. Keep cart ride sessions to 10 – 15 minutes.
5. Have fun! This is a fun passive experience for puppies to see new things, hear different sounds, and be comfortable in different environments. Enjoy the fresh air as you take a few puppies for a little stroll. 
6. Make sure to disinfect the cart after each use.

Sound Socialization Protocol:

Goal: To allow puppies to explore multiple sound objects with a handler and to be comfortable with a variety of sounds. 

To prepare the designated space for this curriculum, please complete the following steps. 

1.   Gather 5 noise objects and 2 handheld noise objects. Remember variety when selecting objects. 
2.   Place the handheld noise objects on a nearby counter or out of puppies’ reach.  
3.   Arrange the objects in a circle spread apart enough for the puppies and handler to move around comfortably. 

You are now ready to retrieve the litter of puppies you are working with. 

1.   Allow the puppies to explore the room upon entering for up to 30 seconds. 
2.   Use the hand-held noise objects when the puppies are playing and exploring the room. 
3.   Encourage the puppies to explore each of the objects with you. 

4.    Continue around the circle in the same manner