Kids Ride What???

Tammy...what is that scary thing??????

Today's lesson....riding toys!!

An important aspect of the training process is making sure the dog is comfortable around different equipment they may encounter in a rehabilitation environment. In a hospital setting this may include walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen and other medical equipment, sliding doors, elevators, etc. The same is true in a pediatric setting, but the equipment may change form a bit. Much of what we do in pediatric therapy is play therapy, involving the use of different types of children's equipment (seen here). I chose this scooter because it is used often, has moving parts, makes noise, and quite frankly, is the only toy that could fit me!

To make it a positive experience, I clicked and treated Chief each time he initially looked at me while on the toy, then when he moved closer to me on the toy, and finally, when he was relaxed and interacting with me while on the toy. As he learned it was fine stationary, we advanced to the toy moving around him. At first, he was hesitant, but the treats and thought of getting a treat soon won over the thoughts of this "scary thing" attacking him. One thing I can say about Chief...once he accepts something as "okay", it truly is! He was acclimated to this toy in less than 10 min, and when shown it again later, he wagged his tail and sniffed it. That reaction earned him another treat.

We will do this process with many of the toys and equipment we use in our therapy gym, as that is where he will be working the majority of the time. I think that Chief will accept them as quickly as he did this toy. I'll be there to help him along the way.

I think he likes this style of learning!!

Tammy