Relaxation Protocol. . .opinions. . .stories?

Allie3985 · 11-02-2009, 12:25 PM

I have always kind of shrugged this off, viewing it as just a method to proof stays until I found a fellow trainer who swears by it. What are your thoughts? What makes it different than just a stay exercise?

TooneyDogs · 11-02-2009, 12:54 PM

I'm not sure how you're using those techniques for proofing.

Stays are stressful for most dogs and it's common to use T-touch, slow stoking and quiet/calm tones to make them comfortable/relaxed during a Stay. Basically, teaching them that Stays are OK. But, that's not proofing as they're not going to be touched or talked to during a Stay.

Allie3985 · 11-02-2009, 01:50 PM

I'm not using it to proof stays because I have never actually used it. From outside view, it appears to be a stay exercise. Dog lying on mat, handler take step backwards and returning, two steps sideways and returning, counting to 10 audibly, pausing 30 seconds, quietly clapping hands, ect.
These are things that I do when I'm proofing stays (only I sometimes clap hands loudly and make weird or startling noises, which I understand you would not do in RP)

.

The dog is being rewarded when he/she is being calm. . .what else goes into this? Maybe I should just take the class and find out, but I want to make sure it is something that I want to invest that time in since I already practically live at the obedience club.

RBark · 11-02-2009, 02:38 PM

I'm a bit confused here. The T-Touch has little to do with stays. It is mostly a means to teach a dog to relax, anywhere and anytime in any position. I useed it extensively on Priscilla, as part of a Control Unleashed drive control routine where I would teach her an on and off switch.

I would say I had a lot of success with it. But I can't tell you how much was attributed to it, because I had 3 different methods I also used to teach her an "off" switch. But I believe all of the methods were successful inwhat it was intended to be.

I don't know if the relaxation protocol you refer to is the same as ttouch but its not a training program. The ttouch teaches you how to touch your dog to relax them, not to stay.

Allie3985 · 11-02-2009, 02:43 PM

I'm actually not talking about T-touch, which I have had a seminar on and was unaware that the two things were related. Hmmm, I'm going to have to do some more research and see what my friend at the club is doing that is different from what you guys are talking about.

TooneyDogs · 11-02-2009, 02:50 PM

There are two crucial parts to the Stay exercises. The first is getting the dog to relax/feel comfortable in a Stay position which is especially important for out of sight stays. The 2nd part is getting the dog to hold the Stay inspite of or in the face of normal distractions.....that's where the proofing comes in.

As you mentioned, clapping hands are a normal distraction at a show. A dog chasing a dumbbell in the next ring; a high jump board or bar being dropped; a chair falling over; people/dogs walking nearby; an overhead fan; a kid with a hot dog at ringside.
Those are all the usual things that can happen during the exercise and need proofing.

Knowing if your dog is sight or sound reactive (or both) can help you choose the right things to proof against.

TxRider · 11-02-2009, 05:22 PM

I've only used relaxation protocols for my dogs in stressful situations like when I am socializing them and they are getting too stressed.

I could see it useful if trying to get a dog to do better stays in a stressful or distracting environment possibly.

Allie3985 · 11-02-2009, 05:52 PM

This is exactly what I have observed in the RP class at the club.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX9rOLaN-bw

The trainer insists that the purpose is not to proof stays but that the stay is more of a result of the "relaxed" behavior. I suppose I will just take the class. It can't hurt and I like the knowleadge of all different methods.

Cracker · 11-02-2009, 05:57 PM

The Relaxation protocol may have the secondary effect of proofing a stay but that is not the POINT of the exercises. The point is to teach your dog to SETTLE into a down and be relaxed while doing it...it is commonly used for dogs with SA and anxiety issues related to noise, movement etc. The protocol is long and involved and if done correctly can do some real wonders on dogs that need to learn to relax under stressful circumstances. It is essentially a desensitization/conditioning exercise. It just happens that it involves a stay. For example if your dog is not in a full hip on the floor settle and is instead in a sphinx position down it is NOT relaxed and the routine technically becomes a stay.

Allie3985 · 11-02-2009, 06:04 PM

Thanks cracker. This is what I was looking for. Do you use it much yourself? Do you think that a class would be beneficial or is it something I can learn on my own?

Cracker · 11-02-2009, 09:10 PM

To be honest I don't use it much myself, my home setup is very very tiny (a bachelor apt) so doing any of the movements is very hard. I would if I had more space for sure. And yes, I would certainly be willing to go to a class on it..I think having someone there to help you work through the steps and for support is very helpful no matter what training skills you are working on with your dog.

Allie3985 · 11-02-2009, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cracker

I think having someone there to help you work through the steps and for support is very helpful no matter what training skills you are working on with your dog.

True that. I just have to decide where to budget my time.