Quote from
admin on December 24, 2023, 5:16 pm
Platforms –
Platforms can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For our use we will want a platform that can accommodate our dog sitting, standing, or laying down without their limbs sliding off the back or front. You can utilize an already made platform (like a Cato Plank or a human exercise step) or you can easily make a platform with foam tiles, yoga mat and superglue/double sided tape like these: 
.
Choosing an appropriate platform can really help overall with your dog, I would suggest one that is about an inch wider than your dogs shoulders, at least a few inches longer than your dog while laying down, and high enough that your dog notices if their have one foot off (roughly 4 or 5 inches seems to work) Feel free to reach out if you need clearer instructions on creating your own custom platform.
Prior to starting classes we will be building value for our dog putting all four feet on the platform.
Step 1:
Lure your dog up onto the platform and give them 3-4 treats just for being on it. Cue them to “get it” and toss a treat for them to get off the platform. Repeat step if your dog shows any hesitation to get on the platform until they happily get on without hesitation.
Step 2:
Invite your dog onto the platform (without a lure) reward them for staying on the platform, cue them to “get it” and toss a treat to reset them. Repeat this a few times with you in different locations in relation to the platform – ie to the left, right, in front of.
Step 3:
Reward your dog for easy (already known) behaviours performed on the platform. Suggestions: sit, down, shake paw, spin.
*Reminder – We are just focusing on our dogs enjoying the platform and comfortably being able to learn while utilizing the platform in later weeks.
Platforms –
Platforms can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For our use we will want a platform that can accommodate our dog sitting, standing, or laying down without their limbs sliding off the back or front. You can utilize an already made platform (like a Cato Plank or a human exercise step) or you can easily make a platform with foam tiles, yoga mat and superglue/double sided tape like these: .
Choosing an appropriate platform can really help overall with your dog, I would suggest one that is about an inch wider than your dogs shoulders, at least a few inches longer than your dog while laying down, and high enough that your dog notices if their have one foot off (roughly 4 or 5 inches seems to work) Feel free to reach out if you need clearer instructions on creating your own custom platform.
Prior to starting classes we will be building value for our dog putting all four feet on the platform.
Step 1:
Lure your dog up onto the platform and give them 3-4 treats just for being on it. Cue them to “get it” and toss a treat for them to get off the platform. Repeat step if your dog shows any hesitation to get on the platform until they happily get on without hesitation.
Step 2:
Invite your dog onto the platform (without a lure) reward them for staying on the platform, cue them to “get it” and toss a treat to reset them. Repeat this a few times with you in different locations in relation to the platform – ie to the left, right, in front of.
Step 3:
Reward your dog for easy (already known) behaviours performed on the platform. Suggestions: sit, down, shake paw, spin.
*Reminder – We are just focusing on our dogs enjoying the platform and comfortably being able to learn while utilizing the platform in later weeks.
