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This is great!!!! A couple thoughts: Does OK mean he is released from all of his commands or does it mean he is released to bite?
With a dog that is being counter conditioned towards handler interaction, I stress the importance of command structure/mechanics matching. So I heard you say no…does that mean that if he didn’t listen to the no he would’ve gotten an E collar correction on the repetition of the command (like is he working in p3?) if he is not wearing his E collar then I would suggest adhering to phase 1 command structure (name command only) so that you become ultra predictable to him. This will make it so he is superduper clear on how he can control the outcome of his behavior and it will expedite the process. With dogs that are prone to handle or redirection or self advocacy predictability is so key, and marking each and every correct answer will build him up faster also.
I like that you are petting him during play! I love his willingness to interact. I can hear you smiling, so that means he can too! Sooo good! Maybe more mushy gushy praise while petting his neck, so it’s really clear it’s love, and it helps prevent him from letting go to redirect. If you have another family member that he can play tug with I think it would be really cool to see. You handling him from behind and petting him while he is tugging with somebody else holding the toy! That could really build up the sense of teamwork and help desensitize him.
I love this video so much, you are freeing him from fear and giving him a relationship that is built on real trust. Ben is super lucky to have ended up in your home. He is the type of dog that can easily be mishandled. Keep sharing! I’m loving the front row seat to the Ben show!!!
