Out of The Box Dog Training Game App Giveaway From the Inquisitive Canine

Hello dog training and coaching tips followers! Poncho and I have three exclusive "codes" for our newly released Out of the Box Dog Training Game App, and we want to give them away to three of our Inquisitive Canine blog readers.

What is required?:

• First off, youll need a device that is iTunes App compatible - yes, that would help tremendously. iPhone or an iTouch.
• Secondly, youll need to be a guardian to at least one dog. Or perhaps someone that works with dogs - shelter or rescue. You could certainly play this game with other animals, human and non-human, but it is designed for canine companions.
• Lastly - youll need to be someone who enjoys spending time with your dog - or at least someone looking for new ways to spend time with your dog.

If youve read this far then Im going to safely assume you want to move on to the trivia questions. We ask that you answer at least three of the ones listed. Here goes:

1. What is the COMPLETE name of the original inquisitive canine?
2. Who was the original inquisitive canine named after and why?
3. Name one favorite place the original inquisitive canine enjoys going with mom and dad.
4. What is the current name of the original inquisitive canines blog?
5. What is the name of the dog behavior advice column the original inquisitive canine co-writes and where can it be found?

Okay folks - those are the questions. Answers can be found in all sorts of dog training tips blog posts, our Inquisitive Canine website, Facebook Inquisitive Canine group page, my personal Facebook page. You can send your answers directly to me via email joan@theinquisitivecanine.com or comment here on this blog post.

The first three that send the correct answers will receive a special code for our Out of the Box Dog Training Game app. If you can submit answers by Monday January 11th that would be awesome as the codes expire on the fifteenth.

Woof-woof! And happy new year!
Joan and her original inquisitive canine p..... Oops, dont want to give away the answer that easily... :->

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Out of the Box Dog Training Game All About Skill Level

The following is a most excellent question from one of my wonderful inquisitive canine students - thought Id share it with everyone, just in case you have the same question.

Hi Joan - I have a question regarding your new Out of the Box Dog Training Game. 

When practicing with my dogs Ady & Ashley, Ill want to take them from beginner to intermediate (and eventually to advanced) for certain behaviors, BUT I cant remember what differentiated one level to the next, like the descriptions on the canine circuit training class posters. Are the cards detailed like the circuit posters? Thanks - Ady and Ashleys mom. 

This is a great question, as Im sure there are other inquisitive canine folks out there wondering the same thing. Id be more than happy to answer this, and describe how I teach my inquisitive canine students in the various dog training classes I offer, as well as private dog training clients to make the behaviors easier or more difficult for his or her dog(s). 

The concept I teach and often refer to is "3-D Training" - Distance, Duration and Distractions. Adjusting each element on its own will make a behavior easier or more difficult for your dog to perform. 

When teaching your dog a new behavior, youll want to make it easier and increase only one "D" at a time. Youll then either lower the other two Ds" or keep them the same level. To make it more difficult, or to advance your dogs skills, increase one "D" at a time. For those truly advanced dogs out there you can increase two "Ds" at a time while lowering or keeping the third one the same.  

I describe each "D" in the following way:

• Distance: the distance between you and your dog, or your dog and the object/person you want them to go to or target. 
• Duration: the amount of time you want your dog to hold a position. 
• Distractions: anything, and I mean ANYTHING in the environment that your dog can be triggered or motivated by - this includes anything that can stimulate at least one of his or her senses in some way. 

A few examples related to skill level would include:

• Distance using Recall (coming when called): Beginner level: Inside your home, no distractions, no other behaviors like sit-stay, from 5 feet away. Advanced level: 30 yards away outside at off leash dog park with a mid-way "stop and stay". 
• Duration using Waiting At Doors: Beginner level: Have your dog sit before being let outside, give release cue then immediately open door to let him or her outside. Advanced level, ask for sit-stay at door, open door, dog has to wait 5-10 seconds before release cue is given, allowing them to go outside. 
• Distractions using walking on Loose Leash: Beginner level: inside home. Advanced level is walking outside with every distraction in the world. 

As a gentle reminder, remember to reward everything you want, and to increase the value of the motivator when youre advancing those skill levels. (Motivation is another topic I bring up in the Guide Booklet" and throughout my dog training classes and private dog training sessions). 

This information can be found in the Guide Booklet of my newly developed Out of the Box Dog Training Game. Its also part of my various dog training class welcome packets and workbooks. The great thing about understanding this concept is it makes it easy for anyone to play the game, plus youll be able to play it over and over, all you have to do is to adjust the skill level as you go. 

Happy training to you and your dogs, and thanks again for the question! I love when people are as inquisitive as their canines. 

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