Now it’s time to get started with some impulse control & focus training.
I typically like to start with a sit stay, but this is only if the dog already knows “sit”. If not then we spend at least a week helping that behavior become reflexive. Then we can move onto a sit stay. I eventually advance to a down stay & place stay. This will take several weeks to complete all 3.
We need an environment that is conducive to learning- It’s should be an environment that your dog is completely & totally comfortable in & is quite boring-we want you to be the most interesting thing around in that moment; this is why we will continue working within the home (assuming that is a calm environment for the dog).
For each position, (sit stay, down stay, place stay) I like to start with the basics of just having the dog hold that position in front of me while I am consistently marking and rewarding. I also will incorporate a release word; this signals to the dog that they are out of command and may do as they please. I like to use the word “free”.
Within the first week, we start adding in some steps backwards-the human walking backwards is much easier on the dog. Eventually we add in a natural walkaway by turning our backs & walking away. That’s usually week 2. You’ll know your dog is ready for the next step when they can complete this without breaking.
Next, (about a week later) we add in challenges as the dog is holding a position: Examples: -walking out of sight -walking around and making noise -mimicking regular daily tasks (washing dishes, organizing, cooking etc) -running around -opening doors, pantries, closets -dropping food -throwing toys around them
Since I am looking to really increase the dog’s impulse control and handler focus, I am going to think of anything I possibly can that I know would be a great challenge for the dog but something I know they can be successful with-so don’t start with the hardest thing, work your way up. It’s OK if your dog breaks once in a while, that’s normal but if they’re breaking often then you know you need to slow down. See the comments for more:
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