Send Away (On Demand) · 3-Week CourseSend Away On-DemandWeek 2 of 3
Class Discussion
Class Discussion. Week 2
Technique
Moving Away from a Distraction. Toy Distraction
Technique
Moving Away from a Distraction. Food Distraction
Exercise 1. Moving Away from a Distraction
Key Concept
Check-ins
Reinforce your dog with 2–3 pieces of training food by the poly spot. Reinforcing this simple "check-in" first sets the stage for less frustration and greater engagement when you prompt your dog toward the platform. This concept applies directly in real-world training situations.
Key Concept
Breaks with Toys
Give your dog a final food reward, say "all done," and offer a tug toy or throw a squeaky tennis ball. If using a toy as a controlled distraction, this becomes the play break at the end of the set.
Key Concept
Breaks with Food as a Controlled Distraction
If using a highly valued food as a controlled distraction, end the set by delivering 1–2 pieces of that special food when your dog is in position on the platform, then give 1 final high-value reward off the platform after "all done."
Key Concept
Choosing Your Training Environment
If your dog barks when you sit down to eat, practice these sessions near your dining table. Behavior may not carry over into real situations until a high degree of fluency is achieved in practice sessions first, this will be discussed in more detail in Week 3.
Exercise 2. Down Hand Signal, Fading the Prompt
Key Concept
Fading the Prompt
Give the hand signal alone without a prompt (like bending over). A good rule of thumb: give the hand signal with a straight back and count to 3 slowly. If your dog hasn't offered the down by then, go ahead and use a prompt.
Key Concept
Going Back to the Basics
It's OK to return to kneeling, luring the down, and using a higher rate of reinforcement if your dog is struggling.
Key Concept
Avoid Forcing the Down
Some dogs are uncomfortable offering downs when stressed, frustrated, or over-aroused. Physical pain can also prevent a dog from wanting to go into a down. It's OK to opt out of the down exercise if this appears to be the case.
Homework
Your Week 2 Training Plan
Your Week 2
Training Plan
Training Plan
1
Training with Distractions
4 sets with 1-minute breaks. Reinforce your dog for holding position and begin adding distance. Provide a 60-second break activity between sets, fetch, tug, or a sniffing break in the yard.
2
Down Hand Signal
4 sets with 1-minute breaks. Keep a straight back when presenting the hand signal. After a ½ second pause, bend at the waist to prompt the down if needed. Note: Skip for dogs with back, hip, or joint pain.
Live Support
Office Hours
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