Mat Work (Self-Study)  ·  6-Week Course
Mat Work Self-Study
Six-Week Course

Week 3

Mat Work (Self-Study)  ·  6-Week CourseMat Work Self-StudyWeek 3 of 6
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Class Discussion
Class Discussion
Technique
Stand with Bungee Step
Technique
Sit with a 90–180 Degree Turn
The Big Takeaway
Key concepts for this week.
🦶

Bungee Steps

Take a step backwards then bungee back to your dog to deliver food. Use a steady, predictable pattern: step away, step back and reinforce. Lead off with your right foot 3x, then your left foot 3x. If your dog defaults to a sit, do the bungee step with them sitting.

🔄

90–180 Degree Turns

Lead off with your right foot and turn 90–180 degrees. If your dog holds position, turn back and reinforce. Use a steady pattern: lead off, turn, turn back, reinforce. Repeat to the right 3x, then switch leash hands and repeat 3x to the left.

🌍

Check-in with Real World Distractions

Step outside with your dog on harness + leash and 10–15 pieces of food. Reinforce every 4 seconds. If they see/hear/smell something, mark "good" and reinforce. Keep sessions about 1 minute. Note situations that appear too challenging, your dog fixates, reacts, or won't take food.

Homework
Your Week 3 Training Plan
Your Week 3
Training Plan
1
Adding Bungee Step and Turns

4 sets with 60-second breaks.

Set 1
Stand. Bungee Step
Set 2
Down, move to half or full standing position
Set 3
Sit: 90–180 degree turn
Set 4
Down, same as Set 2
2
Check-in with Real World Distractions

Step outside with your dog on harness + leash and approximately 10–15 pieces of food. Reinforce every 4 seconds. If they engage with the environment, mark "good" and reinforce. About 1 minute in length. Start easy and systematically build to more difficult situations. Take note of situations that appear too challenging.