Stand Up and Move to the Foot Target Exercise A B C For this exercise you need a barrier. I o en use a portion of an old x-pen (A); you might want to use something sturdier. Don't place the barrier too close to the wall or the dog won't want to squeeze through. You are going to so ly praise the dog for being on the foot target while he is staring at a cookie or toy placed on the oor ahead of him. It is okay if you need to help your dog by holding his collar in the beginning. Release your dog to the cookie (B). A er getting his treat, D E your dog will turn back around and put his feet on the target again (C/D); use your command (I say "Feet"). Place or toss the cookie ahead of him and then release him to it (E). Progress to being able to throw the cookie ahead of your dog while he is heading to the target. Be patient, this takes a little time, but it will pay o ! Note: your dog is relying on your position at this point. e lesson is about moving to the target without looking at you (forward focus). Limit rewarding the dog on the target as it will cause your dog to look up at you for the cookies. at is why I start on a stool, so my dog can eat the cookies while standing on the target without turning his head up every time. Hit the Target with the Handler Ahead Exercise A B C D If your dog doesn't already know how to circle a jump stanchion or cone, you'll need to teach that skill before doing this exercise. Send your dog to the stanchion (A). When he is about to go around it, move into position well ahead of the target (this is a nice way to practice commitment to the stanchion as well) (B). Stop your motion before the dog gets to the target; hopefully his focus is on the target (C). Praise him while he is on the target. (It is ne for him to look at you a er he has hit the target.) Release him from the target to your leg and reward on your leg (D). i s training can also be done on a travel plank. 16 Clean Run | February 16