Langley: Check in

Langley and I have been playing a new game in the house called "Check In".  Pretty simple really.  I run somewhere and then stand and say "check in" and Langley runs over sits in front of me and gets a treat.  He loves it and we have been playing it several times a day to make the words "check in" have a really positive connotation for him.

The end goal of this game is that when we are outside in environments that are distracting and overwhelming to him and can trigger compulsive and reactive behaviors I can say "check in" and Langley will be distracted from whatever is triggering him and want to come get that treat or attention since he knows that checking in has a really positive outcome.

This weekend we decided to test out this newly learned skill in the back yard, a place where he is easily triggered by wildlife, rustling plants, dogs barking in other yards. When Langley first had his little break down, nothing could break his focus from his triggers and he would lunge and bark at the end of the leash.  Only physically forcing his head to turn towards me would elicit a split second of recognition and then he was back at it.

Contrast that to this video. Langley was outside for a potty break.  He heard the neighbor's small dog barking on their deck, something that quickly ramps him up, and yet still he was able to respond to my call of "check in".  It's pretty exciting that he's developed this skill and is doing so incredibly with his training.  He's a smart, smart dog who truly loves people so it is a joy to see him grow emotionally.

We'll keep working on this game and practicing inside and outside. Already he is doing more and more check-ins on his own, something he never used to do, and he is getting attention and treats to reinforce this behavior of staying in tune and connected to his human.  Good work, Langley!