Welcome to Camarillo Canine. The first week of training is very important. Be consistent. Practice the place and down commands for up to five seconds in duration before releasing the dog for food, then add distractions, then distance.
Week 1
- Only feed the dog by hand, when training, and never for free.
- Keep the dog on leash when training (or all the time, if needed).
- Don't pet the dog unless they're lying down.
- Don't them on furniture or in your room untill any behavior disorders are resolved.
- Lead dog into
placewith the leash, mark and reward. - Lure and cue the dog
down, mark and reward. - Call dog to
come, grab their collar, mark, reward, and release. - Add command names
place,down, andcomeafter the dog performs behaviors consistently through luring. - Remove the lure when the dog responds to only leash cues.
- Increase the dog's duration in the position to at least 5 seconds, then begin adding distractions, like food, toys, or calling the dog's name.
- Add distance last and continue training in new environments, adding distractions while the dog is lying down.
- Change reward interval to variable, only rewarding after some markers, and transition to voice-only cues.
Down
- Dog should learn
downfrom place and come drills. Use treats and / or leash cues to lie the dog down with his nose been his paws or until his elbows and haunches touch the ground. mark, reward, and release. - Mark and reward the dog while it is lying in the down position to build duration.
- Gradually build duration, distraction, and distance lying down.
This article is a great place to start with a new dog.