September 1, 2023: second session on the roof with unexpected hick-ups
Info in the subtitles. Spoiler: this session didn’t go as planned!
Notes for the next session:
+ Put something into the plastic container so it isn’t as deep (easier to eat from) or find another container of similar diameter, but with lower walls!
+ Repeat the previous session!
September 4, 2023: another less-than-perfect smaller container
I tried a small yoghurt container after starting over with the porcelain bowl. Chai had a hard time!
Notes for the next session:
+ Start with the porcelain bowl again.
+ Switch to the plastic container from the last-but-one session and change its depth to avoid the aversiveness of the smash-eyes-into-container-walls experience Chai had last time! See how that goes and take it from there.
September 5, 2023: let’s chew up this clicker!
Notes for the next session:
- Repeat with both containers.
- Swap the partially eaten clicker out for a different object – something that doesn’t splinter, is a similar size and makes a sound upon impact in the china bowl … a ver …
- Shorten total session time.
September 6, 2023: a new object (nail clippers) and two containers
I’m happy with this session – and with myself for ending it when I did and Chai was still having a good time!
Notes for the next session:
+ Repeat just like today until I get reliable nail clippers in the second container!
September 8, 2023: making progress on the nail clippers project!
This session went well! Jackpots really get the point across for Chai!
Notes for the next session:
- Do another session with the same two containers and the nail clippers. Can I get 3 + 3 reps with the clippers in both containers, no misses at all?
- No need to record the next one – I need a video-editing break and I don’t think it would show a lot of new stuff anyways!
September 11, 2023: a stab at 3 jackpots with 2 containers
We did the session I had planned on and I allowed myself the luxury to not film (i.e. no video editing). Chai got the nail clippers into the porcelain bowl on her first three attempts, but needed 5 or 6 attempts with the smaller plastic container (we worked until she got a jackpot 3 times with that container as well). I’ll stay at this step until I get 3 wins in the plastic container right away. Permission to train and not film!
September 13, 2023: a nail clippers win!
Chai got the nail clippers 2/3 times into the porcelain bowl on her first try and THREE/THREE into the smaller plastic container! Go puppy!!! (No video.)
September 16, 2023: coins, coins, coins!
I was going to go for both clippers AND a coin in both containers today, but only brought a 10-peso-coin to the roof – so we started with that one right away. Porcelain bowl: easy. Plastic bowl: hard. I’ll keep working on the plastic bowl with different objects and also make sure to throw in easy porcelain bowl reps to keep the rate of reinforcement high.
September 17, 2023: an indoors session
It was hot and humid out today so we trained inside – but not on the puzzle mat to create contextual difference to the 4 paws in trick. I used the porcelain bowl as well as the smaller plastic container and 3 different objects: a glue stick, a 10-peso coin and a nail. The plastic container needs work – stay at this stage; potentially change an object or two!
September 26, 2023: glue stick, plug and coin in china bowl and plastic container – varying locations
Varying the location of the china bowl REALLY made a difference in Chai’s understanding! I love it!
I want to have a similar session again – and I’d like to add my hands as a new “bowl” to the game soon as well! There are endless possibilities with this trick!