There is a point in class where each new team starts to feel comfortable. They understand the flow and pace that works best. They know the cadence of commands and motion that best communicates desired action. They start to understand what each other tolerates. They are not yet thinking together, but they have at least taken steps toward coordinated performance. And it feels good.
This is the primary purpose of the “standard route”. Back on the third day of class, a basic or standard route was introduced by the instructor. This route is meant to provide the team an opportunity to practice while working toward a purpose. We call it a standard route because the team will work it throughout class.
This is very similar to many at-home situations. I, for example, will walk a standard route to-and-from work every week day. My dog will become so good at this route that he will be able to do it with only minimal direction. Through walking this route, we will continue to build confidence in each other.
Building the standard route is fairly easy. The key is to keep the route positive and directed. There should be a goal (usually a destination). The dog will, like finding a down-curb after a block, feel a sense of accomplishment when the goal is achieved. The dog may not think of the goal throughout the route, but will be able to easily target it at an ever increasing distance.
We start learning the standard route by walking it ourselves. This is done to provide the dog the greatest level of confidence when s/he first walks the path. Walking a block, then trying to determine which way to go will cause the dog to lose confidence and a sense of purpose. Remember, the idea is to make the dog succeed. Dithering does not help.
Now that the handler knows the route, s/he walks the dog, with a cane or a sighted guide, along the path. The dog is not guiding at this point, and may not even be in harness. Yet we treat the trip as if the dog were working. We walk from corner to corner with purpose. We reward at proper points. We press toward the goal. The dog is learning that this is a path, not a social visit with friends along the way.
This patterning walk can happen one or more times. Once the handler is confident, the team works the route. This time it is real. The dog is guiding in harness. The handler provides an abundance of food rewards to impress upon the dog that each little piece of the route is a positive experience. The dog is learning that the route can be accomplished with him/her at the wheel. Confidence rises.
After a few times through the standard route (which may take several days), the handler starts to vary the food rewards. A down-curb that warranted a reward yesterday may only receive praise today, but tomorrow it gets a reward again. The dog learns that food rewards can happen at any time, so s/he attempts to do the best job possible each time. Meanwhile, the handler progressively reduces the amount of food rewarded. Praise is free, so is always offered for a job well done.
The general concept of establishing the standard route is learned in class. The handler learns the method, and quickly implements the theory with a route that means nothing except in the class environment. With the theory and some practical experience under their belts, the team can go home and establish routes in their own community. These routes, however, will have much longer impact on the team, and should be taught with care. They will show dividends in the future.
Again, it is on these standard routes that the team builds flow and coordination. Like learning to play an instrument, working through a basic practice regiment helps build muscle memory and confidence. After only a few weeks the team will work the most common standard routes with ease. This comfort will allow them to develop their own style and pace. They will be presented with problems in a known environment, which reduces confusion.
Should the team work outside the standard route during the formative early months? Most definitely yes. Stretching the team’s newly found abilities is the only way to keep them improving. Early on, however, they should expect that they will not have the same level of confidence in a new area.
Today, for example, my dog and I worked our standard route in the morning. We executed very well, with only a few small problems. I, and I assume he, felt like a functioning team. In the afternoon we visited a new location with heavy traffic and some difficult crossings. The change was apparent from the start, as we looked to the instructor for guidance and support. Our cadence was off. Though he performed very well considering the conditions, I did not feel that same sense of being part of a team. It was, in a word, more awkward. Could we eventually turn this new location into a standard route? Certainly, but it would take time just like any other route.
That sense of awkwardness never fully goes away in my case. I always try to push the bounds of my own abilities, and look to the dog to do the same. However, we will eventually build enough trust that we will overcome much of this difficulty in working new routes. Instead, we will seek out new paths to wander. For now, though, we are still learning just how to walk together.
It takes time.
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