Clean Run - June 2019 - 41

1. Build the value: With your dog on a
leash, stand next to a dog mat. When
your dog gets on to the mat, start
dropping treats onto it. Initially, it
doesn't matter what position he is
in-you are building value for hanging out on the mat. Slow down the
frequency of treat delivery to every
few seconds. Release your dog and
repeat. While building value, pick
up the mat and put it away when
you are not working this game. This
will help your dog build a conditioned emotional response (CER) to
the mat-think of it as the "happy
dance" when he sees the mat.
2. Test the value: Once your dog gets
that the mat is an excellent place to
hang out, test the value. Stand next to
the mat. Once your dog gets on, drop
a treat. Start taking a few steps away
and coming back to reward him. If
your dog comes with you, walk him
back by his leash and try again. If he
doesn't come with you, either return
to him to reward or toss a treat onto
the mat. Release and repeat.

least 6ft. away, and he goes the mat
with passion, you are ready to label
the behavior. Say the words "Go to
your mat" (or whatever you would
like to label it) and then send your
dog. Reward once he is on the mat.
Things to keep in mind:
* It's important to practice daily.
* I find that some dogs are more comfortable when they are elevated, so
once your dog can calmly lie on a
mat, practice teaching him to settle
on an elevated surface. This could be
a platform (like a Klimb), camping
chair, or a Kuranda Bed.
* Be strategic about where you set up
your dog's bed once the behavior is
established. For example, I set up
Marvel in his camping chair in the
corner during class, away from the
activity. I tend to stay nearby to support him if need be.
* Make sure to manage the space
around your dog so that he feels secure when in his "place."

3. Test some more: This time, stand near
the mat, but not next to it. Where
does your dog choose to go? After a
few moments, he will probably walk
over to the mat and stand/sit/lie
down. Let him think about it. When
he does choose to go the mat, toss a
treat onto the mat and repeat step 2.

* Once your dog has these skills in
place, it's time to take the show on
the road. Can he settle on a mat
or elevated surface at a park, away
from triggers? Can he settle when
the other dogs are moving around
the home? Can he settle when guests
visit (if he likes it when guests visit)?

4. Shape a down: This time when your
dog goes to the mat, hold out on
rewarding. Wait until he offers a
down (if he hasn't already done so),
and then reward generously by placing the treats on the mat between
his paws.

* Don't worry about creating a perfect
state of relaxation while your dog is
in a down position in the new environments. I want you to focus on
practicing in new environments-
the relaxed state will come with time
and all of the other behavior modification work.

5. Send to place: Before labeling the
behavior, we have to make sure the
dog really likes this new game. Get
your dog amped up, and then send
him to the mat from a few feet away
by pointing and stepping toward it.
Your dog should race ahead of you
to get to the mat. Once he does, reward him.
6. Build distance: See how far you can get
when sending your dog to his mat.
7. Label the behavior: Once you can
send your dog to his mat from at
June 19 | Clean Run

Hand Target (Touch)
The touch behavior is a fantastic focus
game and helps get your dog's attention
on you if there is chaos going on around
him, if he's anxious, if he's restless (especially during class!), or just plain distracted. The touch cue keeps your dog
working and present.
You can also use the touch cue to build a
recall behavior. Every time you tell your
dog to "Touch" your open hand, he is
rehearsing the action of coming all the

way into your personal space and being
rewarded for it.
As you teach the behavior, you are again
building value for the dog interacting
with you.
How does Touch support agility training?
* Targeting for contacts.
* Creating enthusiastic recalls even
with distractions.
Teaching the game
1. Teach the behavior: Place three to
five treats in one hand. Hold one of
those treats between your pointer
finger and thumb, poised to deliver
the treat. Place the other open hand
a couple of inches under your dog's
chin, palm up. Wait for your dog to
look down to inspect your hand. He
will automatically touch it because
your hand is so close. Mark it with
the word "yes," and reward by dropping the treat in the open hand.
Repeat this at least ten times before
moving on to step 2.

2. Build distance: Repeat step 1, but
offer your open hand a few inches
farther below the dog's chin. If you
see that your dog understands that
touching his nose to your hand
delivers the treat, you are ready to
move on to step 3.
3. Increase the challenge. Repeat step
1, but instead of placing your hand
under your dog's chin, hold the open
hand out to the side, a few inches
from your dog's face. Turn your head
and look at the open hand-dogs
pay attention to what we are look41

Clean Run - June 2019

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