Despite what everyone probably expects, I don't do a formal training session with Terra every day. Sometimes the day just gets away from me. It's good to get formal training in now, as it's easier for her to "learn how to learn." I'm doing a combination of behaviors that will be useful in future training and behaviors that are just for the sake of teaching her concepts (like targeting or staying in place).
Wait: I say "wait" before I open the door leading to the barn, and only open it far enough that I can quickly shut it before the dogs go through. I say "free" to the dogs to go. Because I've done this since Terra came home, she expects it every time. I doubt that she listens to the cue "wait," and is instead doing it based on context. However she is learning that "free" means "move out of your position," so that is useful. Eventually I will also use "wait" to mean "don't move forward" in various contexts.
Eye contact / IYC / anti-mugging: I hold treats in my hand and click for eye contact instead of going for the treats. The treats are currently at her eye level. I will lower my hand progressively until the treats are on the floor and she offers eye contact instead of trying to eat them. I will also use this for food on counters/tables.
Mat: Clicking for putting both front paws on the mat. She doesn't get it yet. Today I switched from tossing the treat off the mat, to feeding 3-4 treats in a row on the mat, to help "glue" her to it.
Paw target: Just did the first session teaching her to target a coaster and she got it right away! She was consistently using her right paw today.
Nose target: She consistently touches her nose to a target stick. I have done a couple sessions teaching her to target even when I am holding food near her head as a distraction.
Counter-conditioning to hand stripping: Just started this. She was lying down and already somewhat tired. I used the Bark Pouch as a high value treat. First I tugged at various spots along her body, and she barely reacted. Then I did some real hand stripping along her right ear. She didn't really like it - she sometimes turned her head toward my hand as I reached for her ear. I implemented a "start button" - only tug out some hairs if she is looking at the Bark Pouch. This is the same concept as the bucket game, which I will be teaching her soon.
Fly: Using a PVC upright and doing clockwise turns first. I use my body position and a little prompting to get her to come toward me, first making a 90 degree turn around the pole, and more recently 180 degrees.
Stand-stay: She will usually hold still if I keep the treats coming every 1-3 seconds, but when I extend to 3-4 she sometimes walks out of position or mands. So she doesn't get it yet.
Name game: I have been a bad trainer and only practicing this when we're out and about and I need it, rather than starting it at home.
None of this is on a verbal cue yet except "wait" and "free" after the wait, and obviously her name.
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