Sure! Let's approach Relaxed Structure within the Primal Games framework, focusing on enhancing flexibility and creativity by reducing strict rules.

Conceptual Overview of Clear Communication

• Focus: The goal of Clear Communication is to impose clear, concise, and consequent communication as the team moves from super-fun engaging coupled chain based games to more static and functional task behaviors.

Practical Application in the Primal Games

1. Transition from "Which Way?" to "Give & Take"

• Original Game Dynamics: "Which Way?" focuses on flexibility and dynamic decision-making, asking dog and handler to pay attention to their partner and be aware of the interactions as skills are adapted to couple to the Next opportunity.
• Shift in Focus: Transitioning to "Give & Take" introduces clear boundaries and expectations through bitework, imposing the rules and norms of interaction. This shift encourages adaptability and clear thinking, reducing the tight coupling of the initial game, but asking for self-discipline and honest communication.

1.5. Go Do Dog Stuff… or Not

• Dismiss the dog and chill, taking up the next step as a separate session.
• Transition Seamlessly into the new game.
• Slip the esssence of Where is the Handler?, Attention for Access, into the This, Wait… Next game.
• Some combo of the above

2. Transition from "This, That, the Other" to "This, Wait… Next!"

• Original Game Dynamics: "This, That the Other" creates dynamic coupled opportunities with dynamic intent: 3 skills: ABC, then BCA, the CAB. Try just the essence by doing one of the 3 between each rep or intermittently as you transition between games.
• Shift in Focus: Moving to "This, Wait… Next" expands on this by introducing variability and the need for awareness and adaptability in performing sequences, following the handler, and interacting with affordances for action. This promotes flexibility and creative problem-solving, contrasting with the organic nature of the initial game.

Enhancements to Training Focus with Relaxed Structure

• Awareness of Communication: When really rocking out with a dog, like in a fun game of This, that, the Other, it is easy to get caught up and place too much focus on one skill or one transition, or another aspect of the performance. Awareness is cultivated as we move to the more clear, concise, and controlled interaction within this session flow.
• Promote Flexibility and Creativity: Introduce training elements that require thinking outside the box or adapting on the fly. This encourages the dog to develop problem-solving skills and adaptability, rather than just following a set pattern.
• Foster a More Relaxed Atmosphere: Create a training environment that feels less like a strict classroom and more like a playground. This might involve using skills that have variable outcomes or paths, depending on the choices made by the dog during the exercise.

<aside> 😅 Don’t sweat it, it’s a silly little game. You’re looking for the information.

</aside>