PREREQUISITE
RECOMMENDATIONS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This module builds off of training established in the mat work module. It will establish patterned exercises with the three D’s of training: duration, distraction and distance. Training your dog to proficiency with these patterned exercises will be critical in helping your dog learn to regulate excitement and/or stress on walks. The result is loose leash walking, and calm, attentive behavior around distractions. These exercises will be introduced in your front or back yard or in a quiet space near your home. Ultimately they can be practiced in and generalized to any environment. For example, an elevator, the vet’s office, or in your home when a training mat is not accessible. For best results do all 3 weeks in your yard, and then repeat the training and generalize to new environments.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Heel Work training can be used to calm nervous, hyper-excited or reactive dogs; on walks, in the vet’s office, at the park, on hiking trails. They can also be practiced in your home when a training mat is not available.
- Learn key concepts in teaching your dog a new behavior or modifying an undesirable behavior.
- Learn the importance of establishing training in lower level distraction environments, like your yard, and progressively building to more distracting environments.
- Develop a stronger relationship with your dog by respecting and fulfilling their need to connect and problem solve.
- Learn how to read your dog’s body language in order to identify stress, frustration, over-arousal or other factors that might inhibit your dog’s ability to learn or behave in a desirable manner.
- Improve the emotional and behavioral well-being of your dog by focusing on behaviors you do want to see, instead of trying to suppress the behaviors you don’t want to see.
Essentials
Distraction
Duration
