Simple Skills, Advanced Possibilities
If you tried this week’s training challenge, then you probably already taught your dog to step onto a platform or bucket. It’s never too late to jump in, so feel free to try the exercise now. Dogs are always learning and when we train a new skill, even a simple trick like the “step-up,” we are also building on the concepts we want our dogs to understand. As your dog’s teacher, being consistent is one of the best things you can do.
The “step-up” skill provides the opportunity to practice using your end signal “break.”. Once your dog places his paws on the step, he should stay there until you say break or give another set of instructions (such as calling him to you so that he leaves the step). If your dog leaves the step before you say “break,” start over, but don’t give your dog a treat for the mistake. You don’t have to tell your dog he was wrong or say “eh.” Begin the exercise again and make adjustments to help your dog succeed. Many people will feed their dog for the mistake or try to say break after their dog already left the step. If you do this, your dog will soon be confused. Stick to the rules, and help your dog succeed for the best results. The rule is stay on the step until hearing the word “break” or given another cue.
What If Your Dog Doesn’t Leave on the Break?
If you say break and your dog stays on the step, you should encourage your dog to move off of it. This makes it clear to your dog that break is the end. When you say the end word, make sure you are still. If you move at the same time, your dog will look for the visual cue instead of learning the word. Only if your dog remains in the same place should you use movement to invite your dog to move off of the step.
What’s Next
Now that you’ve trained your dog to step-up, you can continue the challenge. Another exercise is to work on distractions. In AKC Obedience, there is an exercise called the Stand for Exam. We often practice this in classes because it’s a great skill to teach dogs to accept a greeting from another person without jumping. The dog holds a stand while someone pets the dog’s back. Stand can be tricky to train if you have never taught stand-stay before. To teach a solid stand where the dog doesn’t move his feet, use the step-up skill. As the dog holds the stay on the step, you can add distractions. Can your dog stay in the position while you roll a ball or toss a treat?
Another exercise is to try the “step-up” from heel postion. With your dog on your left side, cue the step up. You can now practice drills such as eye contact. Can you place your hand with a treat in it behind your dog’s head and still get eye contact?
Trickovation Style
Trickovation is Training, Relationship, Imagination, Creativity and Knowledge. As a Trickovation instructor, I want to see that students are coming up with their own innovative training ideas. When you train your dog the foundations and you use consistent communication, you can build on those skills to come up with new workouts and routines. Training isn’t just about teaching a set of obedience skills. It should challenge your dog to keep thinking and learning.
