canine freestyle moves database
teaching position using a rectangular platform
the final step
Goal: Dog discriminates the names of the heel position on the flat. (Platforms are removed.)
Before moving on to this step, ensure the dog is consistently moving to the cued position platform from any position around you and can wait there until given another cue.
If you are standing perfectly still and not giving the dog any subtle body cues like turning the head, slightly moving a shoulder or twisting at the hips, it indicates that the dog understands the verbal cues and goes to the correct platform based on verbal cue only.
The platforms should be removed, one at a time……….Sorry, there is no video of this. You need to watch the DVD.
The following is a description of what to do:
Start off with the three platforms down in “heel”, front” and “side” positions and check that the dog will go into each position on verbal cue. (On the DVD, this is done with the dog on lead.)
Remove the “heel” position platform. With the dog on the “side” position platform cue “heel”. The dog may go to the “front” platform because it is there. Cue “heel” again. The dog may start to go to the heel position but because the platform is not there he may return to the front platform. Using the lead you can help the dog into the right position.
Next remove the “side” platform and repeat. You now have 2 platforms missing. You will find the “front” platform will draw the dog, because up until now it has been a huge visual cue to the dog.
Lastly remove the “front” platform.
Give your cues for the various positions. At this stage you can lower the precision criteria. You just want the dog to go to the correct heel position.
You also want the dog to come into any of these positions from anywhere around you.
No Platforms, Cueing Positions
If your dog truly understands “heel” position, you should be able to take a small step to your right and the dog will sidepass to his right to maintain heel position. Don’t make this first step too big. The bigger steps come later.
If your dog truly understand “side” position, you should be able to take a small step to your left and the dog will sidepass to his left to maintain side position.
And if your dog truly understands “front” you should be able to take a small step to your right and the dog will sidepass left to maintain position and if you take a small step left the dog will sidepass right to maintain position. Again, small steps.
No Platforms, Cueing Positions with Movement
If you step backwards in any of these position, the dog will adjust to maintain position.
All these movements are built slowly as the dog gains confidence. To teach the dog to move in these positions and maintain position while moving refer to Heelwork.