Verbal Markers
A marker can be the word "good" or "yes". Use the marker first, and reinforce second. Charge your marker in these low stress, low distraction exercises so they can later be used in more challenging training scenarios.
Check-in with Food Distraction
Hold the leash with 3–4 inches of slack, prior to dropping food. There should be a baby "j" in the leash. Mark "good" if your dog calmly watches you for 3–4 seconds, or if your dog looks at the food distraction and checks in, whichever comes first.
Down with Duration
Down is only functional if your dog learns to move into a down position and hold it until hearing the release cue "all done." Get down at your dog's level to help them relax into a down. Give the release cue while kneeling, then stand, prompt your dog to step off the mat, and reinforce.
Training Plan
4 drops. Discontinue when your dog goes 4 out of 4 times without pulling or looking at food.
Complete 4 sets per session with a 60-second break between each set.
