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

Conceptual Overview of Relaxed Structure

• Focus: The goal of Relaxed Structure is to reduce the emphasis on strict rules and routines, fostering a more flexible, adaptive, and creative training environment. This involves creating opportunities for the dog to explore and experiment within a less rigid framework.

Practical Application in the Primal Games

1. Transition from "Give & Take" to "Which Way?"
   • Original Game Dynamics: "Give & Take" focuses on clear boundaries and expectations through bitework, establishing the rules and norms of interaction.
   • Shift in Focus: Transitioning to "Which Way?" introduces flexibility and dynamic decision-making, allowing the dog to explore different paths and responses. This shift encourages adaptability and creative thinking, reducing the rigidity of the initial game.
   1. 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, Wait… Next!" to "This, That, the Other"
   • Original Game Dynamics: "This, Wait… Next!" involves controlled anticipation, Initiative Transfers, and the use of Expectant Markers.
   • Shift in Focus: Moving to "This, That, the Other" expands on this by introducing variability and the need for adaptability in performing sequences. This promotes flexibility and creative problem-solving, contrasting with the structured nature of the initial game.

Enhancements to Training Focus with Relaxed Structure

• Reduce Rigid Structures: Focus the training on more fluid and less formally structured exercises. This might involve allowing for more improvisation or personal adaptation of tasks by the dog, encouraging them to explore different ways of accomplishing goals.
• 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 games that have variable outcomes or paths, depending on the choices made by the dog during the exercise.

Detailed Example of Relaxed Structure

1. From "Give & Take" to "Which Way?"
   • "Give & Take": Start with an affordance based exercise that establish clear rules and expectations through bitework, focusing on structured interactions.
   • Flowing into "Which Way?": Transition into "Which Way?" by encouraging the dog to make decisions about direction and movement. Emphasize the flexibility to explore different paths and responses, promoting adaptability and creative thinking. The essence of Which Way, intentional, coupled team movement, can be slipped in within the Give & Take game.
   1. 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. From "This, Wait… Next!" to "This, That, the Other"
   • "This, Wait… Next!": Begin with tasks that involve controlled anticipation and the use of Expectant Markers to build patience and focus. Capture a Skill with an Expectant Marker (or Wait cue, same as the Primal Game). Freeze and resume the chain when the dog offers eye contact to see what’s up?
   • Flowing into "This, That, the Other": Transition into "This, That, the Other" by introducing variability in the sequence of tasks. Encourage the dog to adapt and perform different actions fluidly, fostering flexibility and creativity.

Creating a Flexible Training Environment

• Set the Scene: Create a training area that allows for open exploration and adaptability. This might include varied equipment and stimuli that encourage curiosity and experimentation.
• Use Mental-Physical Flow: Enriched Marking is the Flow Throttle. Inceptive Markers mean Go! Expectant Markers mean potential. A 3:1 ratio either way can Throttle Flow and shape a desired Subjective Tone.

Reflection

By focusing on reducing strict rules and routines, the training sessions become more fluid and adaptive. This approach ensures that the training is engaging, promoting creativity and flexibility, and fostering a dynamic and innovative bond between the handler and the dog.