And the winner is. . .

I am friends with both ladies who entered the challenge this month, so I'm going to be extra-hard on their critiques. I know they won't get upset, and I hope others can learn from it.

First up, Stacie and Rex (the red Aussie).
Training Method - 5
Clicker Skills - 3
On Cue - 5
Originality of Cue – 5
Dog’s Performance - 5

In the beginning, timing of click was great – right when his head was under the cushion. One time, he put paws on the chair instead, then hopped off and you clicked. Remember your criteria and what you are clicking for. Do you want paws on? Then when you switched to using a toy under the cushion, you were clicking when he got the toy to you or when his head was on top of the cushion. . . not when his head was under the cushion. Again, remember criteria – click the behavior you want.

Love the training by putting the toy under the cushion. Great idea! And the cue? Way too cute for words – maybe he’ll come search under all my cushions for lost change!

One more idea that may make it easier. . . when rewarding, place the reward under the cushion. That’s where you want him, so place the reward there so he goes back to it.


Now for Ruthann and Wally (the Australian Terrier)
Training Method – 4
Clicker Skills - 4
On Cue - 5
Originality of Cue – 5
Dog’s Performance – 5+

In the beginning, it felt like you were “lumping” – expecting too much from him. But you did start to break it down – instead of expecting him to get his head under the pillow, you clicked his nose touching the edge of the pillow – great beginning step! Your rate of reinforcement is low – not many clicks/treats in a minute. Remember to break it down into little steps to keep him motivated and working.

Remember that where you place your reward can really help training too. By placing the reward where you want him, he’ll be more likely to get there again. You did start to do this in the second training session you videoed, but then went back to giving the food away from the pillow. You want him to be saying, "Hey! My food's supposed to be under here! Where is it?"

I love the cue, and I love how he doesn’t just put his head under the pillow – his whole body goes under! Maybe he’s a gopher? And his little twist at the end? That earned him the "+" for his performance.

So Stacie and Rex received a 23. Ruthann and Wally received a 23+. The winner is Ruthann and Wally!