Homework [Date]

[Positive recap]

Here’s a reminder of what to work on this week:

  • Daily “workouts”

    • Switch between commands (try not to be predictable)

      • Leash Manners

        • https://www.samepagedogtraining.com/CLIENT/#leash-manners

        1. Release Command

          • https://www.samepagedogtraining.com/CLIENT/#release-command

        2. Sit (At Side)

          • https://www.samepagedogtraining.com/CLIENT/#sit-at-side

        3. Heel

          • https://www.samepagedogtraining.com/CLIENT/#heel

        4. Down (At Side)

          • https://www.samepagedogtraining.com/CLIENT/#down-at-side

        5. Motion Commands

          • https://www.samepagedogtraining.com/CLIENT/#motion-commands

        6. Sit (From Front)

          • https://www.samepagedogtraining.com/CLIENT/#sit-from-front

        7. Down (From Front)

          • https://www.samepagedogtraining.com/CLIENT/#down-from-front

        8. Stay (Formal)

          • https://www.samepagedogtraining.com/CLIENT/#stay

        9. Come

          • https://www.samepagedogtraining.com/CLIENT/#come

        10. Placemat

          • https://www.samepagedogtraining.com/CLIENT/#placemat

    • No more than 15 minutes per workout

    • Allow at least one hour for dog to rest between workouts

    • One time per day is good; two times per day is great; three is better!

  • Use commands and expect good manners in daily life (outside of workouts)

  • Dog must either be 100% supervised or in kennel at all times

    • No collar or harness in kennel for safety

    • Outside of kennel, he should always be wearing training collar and leash

      • Dog can drag leash around house

      • If you cannot see Dog or are unable to get up to give a correction, Dog should be in kennel

  • Go for walks in neutral, less distracting areas

    • We will gradually incorporate more and more distractions as we continue training

  • Practice Desensitization

    • Mimic holding leash as you would before delivering a correction, but praise instead

  • Practice Leash Handling technique and Correction form

  • A light correction with the prong collar can be accomplished with a quick flick of your wrist

  • A stronger one-or-two-handed correction is a “pop and release” motion that should last a split second before slack returns to leash

  • Test Dog’s understanding of who is the Handler

    • Be sure that you have his trust before introducing this

  • Link to:

Next lesson:

 <p id="placemat"> </p>

Placemat

The Placemat command tells a dog to remain on a specific item:

  • Usually a rug, mat, or dog bed

  • Usually dog must keep at least two paws on the Placemat

    • Restrictions vary by dog, size of the Placemat, and owner preference

    • Common alternative restrictions:

      • Keep all four feet on the Placemat

      • 80% of dog’s body on the Placemat

    • Dog may sit, lie down, sniff, drink, eat, chew on toys, etc. as long as they remain on the Placemat

Command Signal:

  • Verbal: “Place”

  • Hand signal: Point at mat/bed/any clearly defined “placemat” area

Corrections:

  • Correct toward the Placemat

Tips:

  • Increase the amount of time in Placemat command gradually

(Video for Placemat coming soon!)

<p id="stay"> </p>

Come

Come describes the formal approach of the dog to the handler (you, the human):

  • Dog approaches the handler

  • Dog automatically stops and sits facing the handler

    • About 12 inches in front of handler is ideal

  • Implied Stay

    • No sniffing; head up!

    • Dog must remain in Sit until Released or given another command (including Come)

  • No leaning into/against the handler (you!)

Command Signal:

  • Verbal: “Come”

  • Hand signal: See video

Corrections:

  • Never correct a dog for approaching you

    • For a foolproof recall, always maintain a positive association with a dog’s approach

    • When a dog is still learning Come, a “sloppy sit” is acceptable and can be “cleaned up” later in training

Tips:

  • Reward dog for approaching you with lots of verbal and physical praise

    • Pet dog’s chest to encourage sitting position

    (Video for Come coming soon!)

<p id="stay"> </p>

Stay (Formal)

The formal Stay command is a courtesy the handler gives to the dog 

  • Unlike the Implied Stay, the Formal Stay lets the dog know that they can relax a bit

    • The dog’s full attention does not need to be on handler

  • Handler will be away for some time

    • 15-30 minutes

Command Signal:

  • Verbal: “Stay”

  • Hand signal: Fingers touching, flat hand, palm facing dog in front of dog’s eyes, straight elbow

Corrections:

  1. Walk calmly toward dog

  2. “No” + physical correction (upward if dog was left sitting; downward if dog was left lying down)

  3. Repeat “Stay” without giving hand signal

Tips:

  • To avoid confusing the dog, be sure to say “Stay” after giving correction and not “Sit” or “Down”

  • While dog is still learning, practice in a room with the doors closed

  • Never, ever chase your dog in any situation

    • Always approach dog calmly before correcting

    • Desensitize dog to corrections with all commands

    • Always praise dog for obeying a command

    • Reward good manners with praise

  • If the space allows, leave dog in a Down before giving the formal Stay command

    • Most dogs are more comfortable lying down than sitting

(Video for Formal Stay coming soon!)

 <p id="down-from-front"> </p>

Down (From Front)

Down From Front describes a Down command given when the dog is anywhere but at the handler’s left-hand side

  • Both front elbows touching ground

  • No “scooching”

    • Dog must lie down where they were when handler gave Down command

    • No rotating hindquarters: must face direction they were in when given command

  • Implied Stay

Command Signal:

  • Verbal: “Down”

  • Hand Signal: See video

Corrections:

  • Correct downward to encourage down toward ground

  • If dog wanders away, slowly and calmly walk toward dog, lead them back to where they were when you gave the command, and correct once they’re more or less in the same spot

Tips:

  • Give physical praise by petting top of dog’s head and back

(Video for Down From Front coming soon!)

 <p id="sit-from-front"> </p>

Sit (From Front)

Sit From Front describes a Sit command given when dog is anywhere but at handler’s left-hand side

  • No sniffing allowed

  • No “scooching”

    • Dog must sit where they were when given the Sit command

    • No rotating hindquarters: must face direction they were in when given command

  • Implied Stay

Command Signal:

  • Verbal: “Sit”

  • Hand Signal: See video

Corrections:

  • Correct upward to encourage sitting posture

  • If dog wanders away, slowly and calmly walk toward dog, lead them back to where they were when you gave the command, and correct once they’re more or less in the same spot

Tips:

  • Give physical praise by petting dog’s chest to encourage sitting posture

(Video for Sit From Front coming soon!)

 <p id="motion-commands"> </p>

Motion Commands

Motion commands describe the Sit (At Side) command and Down (At Side) command given while walking in Heel

  • Implied Stay

  • Dog should sit or lie down in the location and direction they are in when the handler gives the command

Command Signal:

  • Verbal: Same as Sit (At Side) and Down (At Side)

  • Hand signal: Same as Sit (At Side) and Down (At Side)

Corrections:

  • Same as [link]Sit (At Side) and [link]Down (At Side)

Tips:

  • While dog is still learning, slow wayyyyy down before giving Sit command or Down command

  • If dog is confused, slow walk all the way until the handler is marching in place before giving command

(Video for Motion Commands coming soon!)

 <p id="down-at-side"> </p>

Down (At Side)

Down At Side describes a Down command given when dog is standing or sitting on handler’s left-hand side

  • Both front elbows touching ground

  • No “scooching”

    • Dog must lie down where they were when handler gave Down command

    • No rotating hindquarters: must face direction they were in when given command

  • Implied Stay

Command Signal:

  • Verbal: “Down”

  • Hand Signal: See video

Corrections:

  • [P2] Correct downward to encourage down toward ground

  • If dog wanders away, slowly and calmly walk toward dog, lead them back to where they were when you gave the command, and correct once they’re more or less in the same spot

Tips:

  • Give physical praise by petting top of dog’s head and back

(Down At Side video coming soon!)

 <p id="heel"> </p>

Heel

Heel describes a position of the dog relative to the handler (you, the human):

  • Left-hand side of handler (Right Side is a separate command from Heel)

  • Dog’s eyes lined up with seam of pants

    • No more than 5 inches behind and 5 inches in front of pant seam

  • No sniffing; head up!

  • No leaning into/against the handler (you!)

  • Auto Sit:

    • When the handler is stationary, dog automatically sits, remaining in Heel position

      • Implied Stay:

        • Dog must remain in Sit until Released or given another command (including Heel)

Command Signal:

  • Verbal: “Heel”

  • Hand signal: See video

Corrections:

  • Stationary:

    • Correct upward to encourage sitting posture

  • In motion:

    • Correct in the direction that you want the dog to walk

      • If dog is lagging behind, correct forward

      • If dog is pulling ahead, correct backward

      • If dog is touching handler, correct left/away from handler

Tips:

  • ”Three left turns to every right turn”

    • Got a dog who likes to get ahead of the 10-inch Heel Window?  Taking sharp left turns with dog in Heel cuts them off before they can cut you off

    • Correct outward (away from yourself) if dog runs into you

  • Slow it wayyyyy down

    • It is much more challenging for a dog to Heel slowly than quickly.  Sharpen their focus and self-restraint by walking painfully slow while in Heel

    • Pivoting left in Heel helps teach the dog to be parallel to the handler (again: that’s you!)

(Video for Heel coming soon!)

 <p id="release-command"> </p>

Release Command

The Release Command is telling the dog that they no longer have to hold their current command

  • Dog is no longer in a formal command

  • Continue to hold dog to consistent expectations

    • Praise desirable behavior

    • Correct unwanted behavior

    • Motivate to demonstrate or encourage desirable behavior

Command Signal:

  • Verbal: “Let’s go!”

  • Hand Signal: See video

Corrections:

  • Corrections are unnecessary since dog does not have to change their position to no longer be in a formal command

  • Ex: a dog in the Sit command may simply choose to continue sitting after Released

Tips:

  • Use gentle Motivation or enforce Leash Manners to test dog’s understanding of Release command

(Video for Release Command coming soon!)

 <p id="sit-at-side"> </p>

Sit (At Side)

Sit at Side describes a Sit command given when dog is standing or lying on handler’s left-hand side

  • No sniffing allowed

  • No “scooching”

    • Dog must sit where they were when given the Sit command

    • No rotating hindquarters: must face direction they were in when given command

  • Implied Stay

Command Signal:

  • Verbal: “Sit”

  • Hand Signal: N/A

Corrections:

  • Correct upward to encourage sitting posture

  • If dog wanders away, slowly and calmly walk toward dog, lead them back to where they were when you gave the command, and correct once they’re more or less in the same spot

Tips:

  • Give physical praise by petting dog’s chest to encourage sitting posture

(Video for Sit At Side coming soon!)

 

 <p id="leash-manners"> </p>

Leash Manners

Leash Manners describe the dog’s behavior while the handler is holding the leash

  • No pulling

  • No leaning into/against handler

[insert line]

Corrections:

  • Correct in the direction that you want the dog to go

  • If dog is pulling, correct away from the direction that they’re pulling

Tips:

  • Praise good manners

  • Keep leash in right hand so that left hand is free for giving a hand signal

  • Choose a phrase that you use for motivation

    • ex: “Let’s go!”

    • Do NOT use “Come on”

      • Come is a formal command that means something else

Homework [Date]

[Positive Recap; i.e. “Thanks for having Derek and me in your beautiful home blahblah”]

Here’s a reminder of what to work on this week:

  • Timed meals

    • As long as the vet says that he is healthy:

      • Feed dog at the same time(s) every day

      • Set a timer for 15-20 minutes

      • If dog has not finished their food when the timer goes off, remove the food (unless dog is actively eating it)

      • For their next meal, feed dog their regular portion (do not add amount of uneaten food from previous meal)

    • A healthy dog can go 4 days without food, so do not worry if it takes them some time to learn to clean their plate!

  • No furniture

  • Crate training

    • When to use kennel:

      • When dog cannot be supervised

      • Have dog sleep in kennel every night

      • Get dog used to being in kennel while you are home!

    • When in kennel:

      • Ignore dog

      • No collars or harness (for safety)

      • Do not let dog out if they cry

      • Close and latch door

    • Keep a positive association with the kennel; never use as punishment

  • Crate training

    • Buy this crate in 42” or 36” length

    • Follow steps to introduce dog to kennel:

      1. Set up crate

      2. Put a treat, peanut butter Kong, or food bowl if it’s mealtime, at the back of the kennel

      3. Use an encouraging voice to guide dog into kennel

      4. Once dog is inside, praise them while closing and latching the door

      • Don’t make a big deal of it

      5. Once door is closed, ignore dog completely but remain in room

      6. After a moment, leave the room but leave door to room open, hanging out nearby

      7. Periodically re-enter room, busy yourself with something, and continue to ignore the dog

      8. Gradually increase time dog is left alone in the room while in their kennel

    • When to use kennel:

      • When dog cannot be supervised

      • Have dog sleep in kennel every night

    • Get dog used to being in kennel while you are home!

    • When dog is in kennel:

      • Ignore them

      • No collars or harness (for safety)

      • Do not let dog out if they cry

      • Close and latch door

    • Keep a positive association with the kennel; never use as punishment

  • Please reach out with any questions or concerns!

  • Cleaning up accidents

    • In addition to timed meals, crate training, and limiting access to water, cleaning up accidents is an essential component of successful housebreaking

      • Hard surface:

        • First, remove as much urine or feces as possible with a paper towel

        • Clean area with a multi-purpose cleaner like 409 and paper towel

        • Soak area with an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature’s Miracle

        • Follow directions bottle!  Enzymes must be left to dry on their own in order to be effective

    • Carpet:

      • First, remove as much urine or feces as possible with a paper towel

      • Clean with an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature’s Miracle

    • Follow directions on bottle!  Enzymes must be left to dry on their own in order to be effective

  • Choose your Release phrase

    • Ideas:

      • “Okay!”

      • “Party Time!”

      • “Go Ahead!”

      • “Freedom!”

First lesson:

  • Muzzle

  • Crate training

    • Buy this crate in 42” or 36” length

    • Follow steps to introduce dog to kennel:

      1. Set up crate

      2. Put a treat, peanut butter Kong, or food bowl if it’s mealtime, at the back of the kennel

      3. Use an encouraging voice to guide dog into kennel

      4. Once dog is inside, praise them while closing and latching the door

      • Don’t make a big deal of it

      5. Once door is closed, ignore dog completely but remain in room

      6. After a moment, leave the room but leave door to room open, hanging out nearby

      7. Periodically re-enter room, busy yourself with something, and continue to ignore the dog

      8. Gradually increase time dog is left alone in the room while in their kennel

    • When to use kennel:

      • When dog cannot be supervised

      • Have dog sleep in kennel every night

    • Get dog used to being in kennel while you are home!

    • When dog is in kennel:

      • Ignore them

      • No collars or harness (for safety)

      • Do not let dog out if they cry

      • Close and latch door

    • Keep a positive association with the kennel; never use as punishment

  • Please reach out with any questions or concerns!

  • Cleaning up accidents

    • In addition to timed meals, crate training, and limiting access to water, cleaning up accidents is an essential component of successful housebreaking

      • Hard surface:

        • First, remove as much urine or feces as possible with a paper towel

        • Clean area with a multi-purpose cleaner like 409 and paper towel

        • Soak area with an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature’s Miracle

        • Follow directions bottle!  Enzymes must be left to dry on their own in order to be effective

    • Carpet:

      • First, remove as much urine or feces as possible with a paper towel

      • Clean with an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature’s Miracle

    • Follow directions on bottle!  Enzymes must be left to dry on their own in order to be effective

  • Choose your Release phrase

    • Ideas:

      • “Okay!”

      • “Party Time!”

      • “Go Ahead!”

      • “Freedom!”

First lesson: