This week we introduced "front", where Jimmy stands horizontally in front of the handler to create a space or block between the handler and another person. We had Jimmy in a heel position, held our right hand out with an open palm, said "front", and Jimmy would touch the hand with his nose. We praise it with a "yes!" and said "stay" so he would stay in that position. Jimmy caught on very quickly and we started phasing out of the hand lure, so Jimmy now knows "front" with the verbal command only. We will continue to use continuous reinforcement every time he completes the command and will move to variable reinforcement next week.
Jimmy also completed and passed his Public Access Test with flying colors and we feel he will do great in public areas such as crowds and restaurants. He also met some of the new dogs from Lewis & Clark Animal Shelter and only had excitement and good manners.