canine freestyle moves database
teaching position using a rectangular platform
dog moves into positions
Goal: With the handler standing in a “position” next to the platform presenting the body target for that position, the dog moves into that heel position.
By now the dog is used to standing on the platform, turning his head to give you attention as you walk around and stand in one of the 3 positions under discussion.
Now it is time for the dog to do some work.
In this video the training area is set up and on entry the dog immediately mounts the platform. You would click and reward for going straight to the platform.
Treats are tossed away from the platform to give you a chance to position yourself in one of the 3 positions around the platform while the dog is out getting his treat. The dog should return to the platform and stand next to you correctly, that is with his head where it should be.
Handler Stands in Various Heel Positions Around the Platform
If this does not happen toss the treat away so that he can return to the platform in a straight line, to simply walk right up to you. When in position, click, then treat. You can also rapidly C/T in that position. Remember, the dog needs to associate positive experiences with being in that position.
Toss out another treat to get the dog off the platform and change to another position.
Repeat.
Occasionally move the platform so that the dog has to think about where it is and how to mount it.
Allow the dog to mount the platform by himself in all three positions and build a huge history of rewards in each position.
It is the platform that is prompting the dog to move into the various positions and your body is presenting a target for the dog to line up with. The dog is associating the various “targets” with the various “positions”.
If the dog is having trouble positioning himself next to you, go back a step to where you place yourself next to him. Do another training session of that.
Always remain still and let the platform do its job.
It is important that you stand in the correct heel position and in the same position every time. You should not need to turn your head or shoulders to see if the dog is in the correct position. The platform is doing that for you.
Make it as easy as possible for the dog in the beginning and then move on to the more challenging angles of approach in each position.
When the dog is reliably and consistently returning to the platform to stand in the correct position, you can start to introduce the verbal cue for each position.
While the dog is out getting his treat, position yourself in one of the positions around the platform and as the dog turns to come back to the platform cue the word for that position. Suggested cue words are
“heel” - for left side heel
“side” - for right side heel
“front” – for front position, dog centered in front of and facing handler.
When all four feet are on the platform, click, then treat. For a large dog a mirror is handy so you can see when all four feet are on the platform.
Introducing Verbal Cues
At first it may seem that the dog understands the verbal cues, but it is the platform that is prompting the dog into position.
It is important to be still and to stand in precise positions, ie same place near the platform every time for a given position. You need to be presenting the same body target every time for a given position. If you are turning the upper part of your body, or even your head to see what the dog is doing, you are presenting different targets and your end result may not be as precise as you would like.
Also, if you have not spent enough time teaching the dog to stand straight on the platform before moving on, you will also sacrifice some precision.
Make sure you toss the treat out in all directions of the points on a clock so that the dog learns to approach and put himself into the position from various directions.
Before moving on to the next step the dog needs to be consistently mounting the platform into correct position from all directions around you.
Another point about not spending enough time teaching the dog to stand straight on the platform is that when you come to do positions where the dog is across the front of your body, that is “left-to front” and “right-to front” positions, you may find you will need to hand target the dog into those position to get him standing across your front and straight.