This weeks game is all about impulse control and getting your dog to want to stay on their mat – even in the face of distractions! We all want a dog who eagerly runs to their mat when the doorbell rings, or when the pizza guy shows up…but we have to work in small stages in order to get there.
This game is meant to be used in the ‘proofing’ stages of your training – so your dog should have a basic understanding of going to their mat and laying down on it right away. The most common mistake eager owners make when training their dog is working their criteria too quickly – essentially expecting too much from the dog, too soon and without a lot of practice put in.
For example, if your criteria for your dog is to remain on the mat while a small form of distraction is presented in close proximity – that is where you will begin! This is where our game ‘it’s your mat’ comes proves useful!
The Set Up
As always practice these games in quiet, familiar environments. We will leave the choice of rewards up to you, but as a rule – use a lower value reward if your dog struggles with food in your hands, and up the value of the reward (think meat, cheese) if your dog is advanced
The Game
- Have treats on hand and a mat for your dog handy
- Set the mat down, and cue your dog through a hand signal or a verbal cue to go to their mat
- Mark and reward, and then release them
- Cue your dog again – and let the game begin! Hold your treat hand close to your dog’s face. They are presented with a choice: move off the mat, or remain calmly laying down and focused upon you? Mark and reward the correct decision!
- As your dog learns the game, challenge them by moving the ‘treat’ hand further away (enticing them to follow it). Your criteria will remain the same. The dog is rewarded for remaining on the mat!
- If your dog breaks, make the exercise easier. Shorten the time they are on their mats, or keep your hand very close to their face and reward immediatley!
Need a video?! We got you covered! Give it a whirl and Happy Training