DOG Training TOYS

Third Assignment: Days 15 Through 20

Backing up game with “come” command when the dog is one foot away; five to 10 repetitions per session, five to 10 sessions per day. Group come with “come” command when the dog is one foot away; 15 to 20 repetitions per session, two to five sessions per day. Remember to stop squatting starting on day 17.

Variation Three: Standing Up and Adding Commands

By the beginning of the third week, you can start to add the verbal command “come” in situations where it is impossible for the dog to fail. The best way to ensure this is to wait until the dog is no more than a foot away from you before you actually give the “come” command. This is a critical point. If you command too soon and the dog stops or doesn’t come all the way, you really have no way to avoid teaching the dog that there’s no need to come to you without delay. You are much better off commanding when the dog is almost all the way to you. The purpose of this is to teach the dog to associate a very positive act (com¬ing to you) with the command. The stronger this association, the bet¬ter off you will be.
For the next week, your two exercises (back up come game and group come) will remain the same, except:
1. Add the “come” command at the end of each repetition.
2. Starting on day 17, you can stop squatting and simply bend slightly as you coax your dog to you. If the dog doesn’t respond to coaxing when you’re not squatting, resume squatting for another week before you try this again.

Remember, continue to lightly grasp the collar after the “come” command is given. Food is still rewarded 100 percent of the time and remains…