To prepare Maxwell for the Clicker Expo, I've decided to teach him to settle under a chair. We'll work up to half-hour long (or more) periods relaxed under a chair in a quiet spot, then try to find more interesting environments to work in.
I started tonight by shaping him to crawl under one of our dining chairs. They aren't perfect, because the cross-bar is too low for him to be comfortable, but it's a good start.
He offered a very undesirable behavior during the shaping, which is unfortunately self-reinforcing: chewing the chair. I had to interrupt with a noise (Ah!) then encourage a new attempt. On the flip-side, he also tried so very hard to offer his CHIN behavior on the seat of the chair, just moving his eyes to watch me for a clue. Wrong side of the seat, little man!
I know the conference is a long time away, but settling in close quarters with many other dogs is going to be tough for him. Best to give us both a real chance.
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