Lucky Dog Season 8 Episode 4 Echo
- October 24, 2020
Lucky Dog season 8 episode 4, titled "Echo," follows the story of a sweet and energetic German Shepherd mix named Echo who has been rescued from a local animal shelter. She is just over a year old but has already had a tough start in life. Despite her initial shyness, Echo quickly shows her playful and curious personality, but also struggles with some behavioral issues that need to be addressed in order to make her more adoptable.
In this episode, animal trainer Brandon McMillan takes on the task of turning Echo into the perfect companion for a loving family. The first step is to assess her skills and personality in order to determine what areas need to be worked on. Brandon sees that Echo is a quick learner and eager to please, but she does have some destructive tendencies that need to be addressed.
One of the main issues that Echo has is her habit of chewing on everything in sight. Brandon works with Echo to teach her that there are appropriate items to chew on, such as toys, and that she should not be chewing on furniture or other household items. He uses positive reinforcement techniques, such as giving Echo treats and praise when she chooses the right object to chew on, to help her learn this new behavior.
Echo also has a habit of jumping up on people, which can be intimidating for some potential adopters. Brandon works with Echo to teach her to stay down and be calm when meeting new people. He does this by giving her positive reinforcement when she stays on the ground and waits for attention instead of jumping up. With time and practice, Echo learns to be a well-mannered dog that is a pleasure to be around.
Another issue that Echo faces is her fear of loud noises, particularly thunderstorms. Brandon implements desensitization training to help Echo overcome this fear. He exposes her to recordings of thunderstorms at a low volume and gradually increases the volume over time. Each time Echo remains calm and doesn't show signs of fear, she is rewarded with treats and praise. Over time, Echo learns to associate the sound of thunder with positive experiences and no longer reacts with fear.
Throughout the episode, we see Echo's progress as she learns new skills and gains confidence. Her infectious energy and positive attitude make her a joy to watch, and it's clear that she will make a wonderful companion for a lucky family. Brandon continues to work with Echo and provides guidance for her future adopters to ensure that she is set up for success in her new home.
Overall, Lucky Dog season 8 episode 4 is a heartwarming and inspiring story that showcases the power of positive reinforcement training in transforming the lives of rescue dogs. Echo's journey serves as a reminder of the importance of patience, dedication, and love in bringing out the best in our four-legged friends.