Generalizing Mat Work
Train in a new context or environment: your living room with a window or door open, your back yard, front yard, or a quiet park. Each new environment builds your dog's ability to stay calm and focused around real-world triggers.
Listen to Your Dog
Difficulty focusing and loss of appetite are signs that your dog is too stressed or stimulated. Don't hesitate to give them more space or move to a calmer environment.
Rules for Increasing Distance
Vary your criteria (sometimes more, sometimes less). Always give the release cue at your dog's side, not from a distance. Stay in line of sight. Isolate distance this week by avoiding adding distractions at the same time.
Don't Force Sits and Downs
Forcing dogs into a sit or down when stressed can increase frustration. If your dog keeps popping out of a sit, train in a stand instead. Most dogs calm down faster when you meet them where they are.
Training Plan
4 sets with 60-second breaks.
4 sets with 60-second breaks. When training in a new environment, use Sets 1 and 2 as a warm up with a high rate of reinforcement. Move to bungee steps and turns in Sets 3 and 4 if your dog is doing well.
