Here is your 7th training lesson.
Your 1st Lesson in Intermediate Obedience
Congratulations, you have graduated to the next level of skills. Remember, if you need to go back to earlier lessons for review, feel free to do it. You may have experienced some learning regression right about this time. This is normal.
Scientists have found that sometime between the 42nd and 49th day of any learning program there is mental regression. This is the brain testing the new knowledge it has acquired to see if the old habits are still effective. It is important to revert back to earlier lessons to overcome the bad habits from setting in.
The big skills this week are dealing with your dog going from a standing or walking position to the down. The goal is to get them to place their elbows down first. Similar to a bow. Elbows first them the rear, creating a wave to the down position. We also introduce the sit out of motion. This is our first motion exercise in which we give a command and continue to move away from them.
And getting your dog used to seeing you walk away from them with your back to them while they are in the stay position.
Skills are developed by repetition. Repeat each skill 4 to 6 times to ensure patterns are being set.
Lesson 7 Stand and Down Have the dog the in the neutral position. With the leash in the left hand and the treat in the right (show the dog the food), command the dog to "Stand" and when he responds, give him the treat. Quickly command the dog "Down" by placing another treat about two inches behind his front paws. Praise. Repeat several times, making sure that the dog's elbows hit the ground first. (push ups)
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Sit out of motion From a walking position command the dog to "Sit", give the "Stay" command and continue walking to the end of the leash. Keep your hips in the forward position as you move away. Praise the dog and leave in this position for about 30 seconds. Return to the neutral position. Praise and pet when he responds by keeping still.
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Down from the front position From the sit stay position, command your dog to 'Down' Praise upon completion. If your dog gets up, move toward them and get them to return to the sit and this time while closer to your dog repeat the down command. If your dog fails to respond, use you hand an motion towards the ground. (often helps to hold their treat or toy in this motioning hand) Be sure to praise when he responds. Praise exuberantly if he is in the completes the position without coaching. |
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Heel and down From a walking position command the dog "Down". Use your left hand to signal, by motioning toward the ground. Treats in the left hand can help your dog learn this skill quickly. Praise. If he fails to respond, correct by placing your left hand on top of collar and gently pushing down and toward the back as you repeat the "Down" command. Praise and pet when he responds. |
Off leash Recall By now we should be able to call your dog in from a sit stay from a fair amount of distance, without the leash. If you dog is unable to complete the off leash recall, put the leash back on and repeat several times. Try again off leash.
Command the dog to "Sit" if needed.
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Finish Face the dog and hold the leash in your right hand. Place your left hand under his chin. Motion the dog with your hand to your left as you take a step back and the dog makes a semicircle and comes to sit at your left side. Praise. If the dog has problems with this, assist with gentle tugs of the leash. (To much leash promotes resistance) Make sure the dog is sitting straight at your side. If not, quickly command the dog to "Heel", take a few steps forward and command the dog to "Sit". Repeat this step until the dog sits straight at your side. This exercise may still require motivation with treats or a toy to get your dog to put in enough energy to complete the move. This is normal. This exercise requires a lot of effort from your dog, so help them as much as possible until the skill is automatic.
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Would you like this lesson in a text format for your phone email?
freeclass7@dogskool.org
Practice these skills several times a day throughout your training course.