Is there a need?
In today's society and the way in which we, as people, are going to have to integrate back into work, social events and public places, we will, or may need to wear face masks. This may be a matter of opinion or perhaps choice, however there will be people in society who are wearing masks.
I'm currently working on health and safety protocols so that I can integrate back into work safely. Whether it is outdoors, or indoors once permitted, I am required by my insurance to wear a face mask.
So even if you do not plan on wearing one yourself, yes, there is a definite need to accustom your dog to the presence of face masks on humans.
Now, how do we go about this? 🤔
You will need a pouch full of some tasty reinforcements. Use what is reinforcing to your own individual dog.
Ensure you are in a good mind frame for training - any stress or anxieties will show.
Ensure your dog is in a good learning mode - not hyperactive, stressed, etc.
Practice the below in a quiet and calm environment, and initially at home. 🔽🔽🔽🔽
The most simplest method is as follows:
🌟 Start by holding your hand across your face for 2 seconds, then give the dog a bit of food.
🌟 Hold you hand over your face for 4 seconds, then give your dog a piece of food.
🌟 Hold you hand over your face for 6 seconds, then give your dog a piece of food.
🌟 Repeat the above until you get to at least a 20 second duration of your hand across your face. Increase in 2 second increments. Treating your dog each time.
🌟 Next, you are going to speak to your dog whilst your hand is across your face for 20 seconds. Then reinforce the dog.
NOTE: if at this point, or any point, your dog is stressed or unsure, stop training and start at the beginning again at another time.
🌟 Now, you are going to speak and move around whilst your hand is across your face for 20 seconds. Then reinforce the dog.
🌟 Next, introduce a small piece of fabric, or perhaps a scarf, or the sleeve of your jumper. Place this across your face for 2 seconds, then reward your dog with food.
🌟 Like the hand in the above steps, you are going to increase the duration your face is covered until 20 seconds. Rewarding your dog each time with food.
🌟 Next, you are going to speak to your dog whilst the fabric is across your face for 20 seconds. Then reinforce the dog.
🌟 Now, you are going to speak and move around whilst the fabric is across your face for 20 seconds. Then reinforce the dog.
🌟 Introduce the face mask. Show your dog the mask and reward.
🌟 Next, hold the mask over your face for 2 seconds. Reward your dog with food.
🌟 Repeat ALL the steps again, building the duration up to 20 seconds - moving up in 2 second increments. Remember give your dog food each time.
🌟 Next, place the mask fully on and just like the above steps, you need to speak to your dog calmly then reward with food. repeat this step a good few times.
🌟 Now, you are going to speak and move around whilst the mask is fully on your face for 20 seconds. Then reinforce the dog.
🌟 You can now build up the duration the face mask is on and ensure lots of rewards.
🌟 Now repeat all of the above steps with each member of the household. Then practice outside in the garden. If you can get your neighbours involved too.
All dogs are different learners, abilities, ages and personalities so you can breakdown the stages as required.
You may find if you have a laid back confident dog that you get through these steps more swiftly.
If you have an anxious, less confident dog, it may take longer and that's okay.
Work at your dogs pace, otherwise the mask may become a fearful stimulus.
Good luck!!! As always, I am here to answer any questions or if you require any advice. 💜 🐾
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