*Start with a step like object, you can also do this on the stairs or a step at home. Make sure your object is fully secure and won’t slip when the dog puts their paws on it.
*Begin by rewarding any interaction with the step, even if it is just sniffing it. Build to then encouraging your dog to put their feet on the step by luring them onto it, never place your dog on the item as then they won’t work it out for themself in a confident way.
*Once the dog is interacting with the step and placing at least one paw onto the step lift the treat slightly higher to encourage them to step both front feet onto the box.
*As soon as both front feet are on the box give a “paws up” command and reward the dog. Build on this by only rewarding for the paws up position until your dog has a clear understanding of the command.
*Once you are happy your dog understands this exercise begin to send them to the item from a distance and ask for “paws up”, they must remain in the paws up while you return to them to reward- if they break ask them to go back into the paws up before rewarding.
*You can introduce a command such as “pivot” by luring the dogs head to the left or right while in paws up to encourage them to move their hind legs round the item while keeping the front paws on it, reward each time the dog moves their back legs and build from there.
*When the dog is fully confident with this exercise you can build up to doing this on other more difficult objects like a ball. Make sure you support the ball until the dog is really confident putting their paws on it.
*When the dog is happy putting their paws up on the ball you can gradually begin to support the ball less encouraging them to balance themselves, build on this until the dog can step onto the ball and hold their balance without assistance.
17 дек 2023
