STAR Team Basic Qualification Test Prep Series
Session
Written Materials
Video Homework
Basic Competency Test – Written
- What: Written assessment of the handler’s comprehension of assigned homework and of class presentations.
- Assigned: March 26, 2022
- Due: April 2, 2022
- To submit: Save the document with YOUR NAME and email to LDKeast@theLittleDogLaughed.org
- Basic Competency Test – Written
It is a Word document with fields for your answers.
Follow the instructions on the first page.
None
Session
Written Materials
Video Homework
Basic Competency Test – Practical
- What: The evaluators guide one team at a time through the practical portion of the Basic Competency Test. The results are discussed in confidence with the handler at the end of the test.
- When: Saturday Mar 19, 2022 1:00-2:3o pm
- Where: Westhills U-U Fellowship
- Evaluators: Veteran handlers Lori Gamroth and Bob Robison
- Detailed description of the Practical Basic Competency test. – no surprises. You can see EXACTLY what will happen and what is expected.
None
Session
Written Materials
Video Homework
Session 7: “Working with Children” Workshop
- What: 3 ten-minute meetings with kids. After each meeting, the children will prepare a simple report card on their experience. The meetings will be videoed for later review.
- When: Friday Mar 11, 2022 7:00 – 8:00 pm
- Where: Westhills U-U Fellowship
- Instructor: Linda Keast
- Report cards given to handlers at the end of the workshop.
- Detailed description of the Practical Basic Competency test. – no surprises. You can see EXACTLY what will happen and what is expected.
- I’ll get these posted as soon as I figure out how to get them off the tablets.
Session
Written Materials
Video Homework
Handlers-Only Session 6: Prepping for the “Working with Children” Workshop
- What: Part presentation, part sharing personal experiences and insights. This is in preparation for the IN-PERSON “Working with Children” workshop
- When: Thursday Mar 3, 2022 7:00 – 8:00 pm
- Where: Online via Zoom
- Instructor: Linda Keast
- Slides from the talk
- Key Concepts we wish to convey in STAR sessions
- How You Say it Matters
- Pre-Visit Memory Jogger– things to pack for a session with kids
- Does your dog really want to be petted?
- Video example of what the first 3 visits typically cover. Focus on the first one. This is not a perfect visit, but it is a good one. Make sure the video starts at the beginning, and watch the Session 1 SEVERAL TIMES – it will give you a good idea what we’re looking for on your Basic Qualifications test.
Session
Written Materials
Video Homework
Clicker Training 5
- What: Chaining Behaviors – Dogs and Handlers
- When: January 11, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
- Where: Synergy Behavior Solutions
- Instructor: Linda Hamilton
In Preparation for the next two classes watch
- Does your dog really want to be petted?
- Video example of what the first 3 visits typically cover. Focus on the first one. This is not a perfect visit, but it is a good one. Make sure the video starts at the beginning, and watch the Session 1 SEVERAL TIMES – it will give you a good idea what we’re looking for on your Basic Qualifications test.
Session
Written Materials
Video Homework
Clicker Training 4
- What: Building on Foundation Skills Part 2 – Dogs and Handlers
- When: January 4, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
- Where: Synergy Behavior Solutions
- Instructor: Linda Hamilton
Session
Written Materials
Video Links
Clicker Training 3
- What: Building on Foundation Skills – Dogs and Handlers
- When: December 17, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
- Where: Synergy Behavior Solutions
- Instructor: Linda Hamilton
- Agenda for Class 3 and Homework
- Handouts referenced during the class
- Everything from Class 1 and 2 (above)
- Training Basics
- Basic Skills 1
- Stimulus Control
- Recall Tips
- Emergency Recall
- Games and Game Components
Equipment Issued to Be Incorporated into Your Training Sessions
- Packs of 4 soft balls (the ones used during actual sessions) were given to each team.
- Goal: as shaping your take/get it/give behavior becomes more reliable, include these balls as one of the target items.
- IMPORTANT: to be used ONLY for training purposes so you can keep them from being shredded and being eaten. The dog should start recognizing the balls as a “game on!” cue.
Session
Written Materials
Video Links
Clicker Training 2
- What: Foundation Skills Dogs and Handlers
- When: December 10, 2021 7:00 – 8:30 pm
- Where: Synergy Behavior Solutions
- Instructor: Linda Hamilton
- Agenda for Class 2 and Homework for Class 3
- Handouts reference during the presentation
- Everything from Class 1 (see above)
- Settle
- Stress indicators
- Activities to de-stress your dog + De-Sensitization for stressful situations vs. inadvertent training
- “It’s Yer Choice” (AKA “Don’t mug the hand that feeds you” — “AKA NO SHARKMOUTH”
- Three takes on “Leave it“:
- Seated version (3.33 min)
- Standing versions
- Basic strategy (10 min)
- The next level (9 min)
- Videos of the Class
Session
Written Materials
Video Links
Clicker Training 1
- What: Pre-foundation Skills Handlers only
- When: December 3, 2021 7:00 – 8:30 pm
- Where: Synergy Behavior Solutions
- Instructor: Linda Hamilton
- Agenda for Class 1 and Homework for Class 2
- Handouts referenced during class and for homework
Additional Homework Not On the Agenda
- While watching the 7-minute video “CIA Casefile: Tucker’s Nail Trim – YouTube” count how many steps this would be if you wrote it down.
- It’s Yer Choice: A Dog Impulse Control Game! (We know it as “Don’t Mug My Hand” – it is NOT “Leave it”); The trainer uses “good boy”, you will be using your clicker
- “Casefile: Tucker – Nailtrim” ADDED Monday 12/6 – Example of a real-life shaping sequence – this trainer is advanced enough she didn’t need to write down the steps before starting. Count how many steps this WOULD have been if she had written it down.
- Video Record of the Class (the sound is not optimal due to the masks):