After training the low alert for a few weeks, I decided it was time to move on to the high alert. The alert for a high BG will be first the pawing alert and then a sit. I tried to do this exactly the same as when I trained the low alert (paw, then down). I used a scent sample that I had in the freezer. He alerted to it quickly and then I said sit. After about two repetitions, he had it down well. I decided to also use different treats at this stage. The low treat was cheese and the high alert is now imitation bacon strips. I thought it would be an extra cue for him to learn which behavior to do. I'll phase the separate treats out with time.
The second session, he did the sit right away with no further cues. I think he prefers sitting to a down which may be part of it. For each session, I have him repeat the paw and the sit for about 5 or 6 times. Each time I say "good high" as he sits.
The third trial was about the same. He seems to have caught on quickly to the fact that a second behavior is required of him after the initial alert. I doubt that he has actually connected the second behavior to the scent at this point, but hopefully he will at some point.
I had a low after a walk last night and he caught it right away. He alerted me in the living room. I said "yes, good low" and we ran into the kitchen which is where I keep all the treats. I got out a piece of cheese and he did a paw and a down. He's a smart one all right.
