|
Clicker training Theory
Teaching Cues
|
Clicker Training Articles
Go Back
Teaching your dog to take a few steps back can
be very helpful when you are entering your house with groceries and your
dog comes to greet you a bit too enthusiastically. It is useful for many
other situations in which your dog is simply in the way. Instead of
pulling the dog with the leash, a cue gives the dog the option to move
out of the way and win a treat at the same time.
-
Prepare in advance a clicker and some highly reinforcing treats.
-
Start with the dog standing in front of you. Lean forward, or if
needed, take a step forward. When your dog moves a little bit back -
even id it only a lean back or a small step - click and treat.
-
Repeat numerous times while trying to reduce your body movement
towards the dog until only a small lean forward gets the dog to step
back.
-
Now, try to get the dog to move back more
than 1 step. Try to increase the number of steps your dog makes
gradually until you get to about 4-5 steps.
-
Now, you are ready to add the cue. While
your dog is moving back, say the cue 'go back' - click and treat.
-
Repeat step 5 several times and gradually,
try to say the cue earlier in the process. Try to get to the point
where you are saying the cue when you see your dog commits into
moving backwards.
-
You are now ready to say the cue before
leaning towards your dog. Say the cue and watch your dog - if he
moves backwards even one step, click and treat. Repeat until the cue
is strong and your dog succeeds in stepping back with only the cue.
-
Try this exercise with added distractions
and in different locations.
-
Good luck.
Watch a video
that demonstrates this exercise.
|
