Mat Work

Week 1

 

Review ‘Get Started’ overview

Back to ‘Get Started

How to Achieve the Best Results in Training

Video Length – 15:49

Class Discussion

Video Length – 16:09

Duration in Stand

Video Length – 2:20

The Big Takeaway

Train Quietly

Don’t use verbal cues like “Sit”, “Stay” or “Go to place”. Training silently helps dogs offer these behaviors as a default without always having to hear a cue.

Stands

Stands are practiced for vet visits, grooming and for behavioral sessions that may take place on uncomfortable surfaces (cold concrete, wet grass, rocky areas, etc.).

Holding Position

Reinforcing dogs for “holding” a stand or “holding” a sit builds focus and calm behavior. To do this, we need to reinforce stationary behavior every 2-3 seconds and finish each of these “sets” with a release cue.

Breaks

Pair each “all done” (release cue) with a 60 second break. Your dog will learn that “all done” is a signal that you are going to a timeout in training. Watch the video below for more information about breaks.

Duration in Sit

Video Length – 1:21

Additional Tips

Put the training mat away after each session.

Keep the same direction each time. For example, one side will be the front, the other is the back – Keep this consistent in all 4 sets.

Use ear phones if your dog is sensitive to sounds from computers.

Don’t ask dogs with hip or joint pain to do sits and downs.

It’s ok to do all 4 sets in a stand if your dog appears uncomfortable offering a sit for any reason.

Homework

1. Management

Brainstorm on management strategies.

2. Training Pattern

4 Sets, with 60 second Breaks

Set 1 – Stand

Set 2 – Stand

Set 3 – Sit

Set 4 – Sit

Additional Resources

Creating a Routine that Meets My Dog’s Needs

Break Time, Is it OK to Praise?

Creating a Feeding Routine

What is a Training Break?

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Office Hours

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Office Hours happen every Wednesday at 12pm PST

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If you’d like extra guidance while practicing at home, office hours are available as an add-on. These sessions are a great way to ask questions and receive feedback.

Spaces are limited to ensure each participant gets personalized attention and are first-come, first-served. These sessions are completely optional—the classes themselves are designed to give you a full, comprehensive set of skills, with clear explanations of why they’re structured this way and why this approach is so effective for behavior modification. Even without the add-on, you’ll have everything you need to succeed. Spots are limited to keep sessions small and interactive, so reserve yours early.