Mat Work (Self-Study)  ·  6-Week CourseMat Work Self-StudyWeek 1 of 6
✓Get Started
▶Week 1
🔒Week 2
🔒Week 3
🔒Week 4
🔒Week 5
🔒Week 6
Main Lesson
How to Achieve the Best Results in Training
Class Discussion
Class Discussion
Technique
Duration in Stand
The Big Takeaway
Four concepts to carry into every session.
🤫

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, and similar environments.

⏱

Holding Position

Reinforcing dogs for "holding" a stand or sit builds focus and calm behavior. Reinforce stationary behavior every 2–3 seconds and finish each "set" with a release cue.

☕

Breaks

Pair each "all done" release cue with a 60-second break. Your dog will learn that "all done" signals a timeout in training. Watch the resources below for more on breaks.

Technique
Duration in Sit
Additional Tips
★
Put the training mat away after each session.
★
Keep the same direction each time, one side will be the front, the other the back. Stay consistent across all 4 sets.
★
Use earphones 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
Your Week 1 Training Plan
Your Week 1
Training Plan
1
Management

Brainstorm management strategies for your dog's environment this week. Think about how to set your dog up for success between training sessions.

2
Training Pattern: 4 Sets with 60-Second Breaks

Complete 4 sets per session with a 60-second break between each set.

Set 1
Stand
Set 2
Stand
Set 3
Sit
Set 4
Sit
Support
Have a training question?
Get live support from Alyssa.

Whether you have a question, are working through a challenge, or just want some guidance on what to do next, join a live group Office Hours session for personalized support.

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  • Work through challenges and roadblocks
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