brochure page 3, “come front”

Page 3 of 4 the training continues …

step 2

 

Dogs learn at different speeds and have varying levels of distraction. With an attentive dog you might move to step 2 within days. With a distracted dog you might move to step 2 in a few weeks. With any dog you might want to repeat this exercise for a couple of days every month for several years.

 

Step 2 involves asking the dog to move and drive into front position. When your dog sits in “front” and gives you eye contact, feed a piece of kibble, then toss a piece of kibble on the floor behind the dog. She’ll turn and go to get the food. When she’s distracted you call “name, front!” and reward her for rushing into position in front of you and the food bowl.

step 3

 

Get your dog’s food bowl, sit in your chair for the first few repetitions. When you have your dog’s attention, toss a piece of kibble to distract your dog, kick the chair out of your way and stand up straight. Call “name, front!” and reward her for rushing into position in front of you and the food bowl.

 

If your dog seems confused that you’re standing

instead of sitting, lean toward her and enable her to make eye contact over the rim of her food bowl. Feed the dog’s dinner bit-by-bit when she sits in front.

 

Many dogs make this transition easily. They’re

concentrating so hard on making eye contact that they don’t really notice what you’re doing. Others will need more repetitions with the chair, transitioning into a standing position, at each meal.

Tags: basic dog obedience, Marsha Houston, Shelter dogs