Advanced Training - Lap, Lay on, Go In
Hi everyone! Thank you for tuning into the Puppy Training Podcast today! You guys, it is snowing here in Utah today. In case you are listening at a different time than real time, it is April - the middle of April and we have three inches of snow covering our lawn. Previously we had two feet which melted over the past few days - so to wake up to this was a little disheartening. I took Baxter out this morning to go potty and he came right back in, jumped on the sofa and went back to bed. Even he is ready for this snow to go away. We are ready for spring here for sure!
That reminds me, watch our instagram over the next month for tips on spring cleaning - grooming, paws, nails, toys, etc. Follow us @baxterandbella for free training tips and videos. We are also on YouTube @baxterandbella and have plans to grow that channel over the coming months. Fun things in store.
We talk a lot about puppies on this podcast or new dogs starting out with their training. Today let’s talk about advanced behaviors a little bit. Maybe your dog has completed our basic and intermediate levels and needs a little challenge. Perhaps you are training your own service dog and want to learn more. Or maybe you are looking to do therapy work with your dog in your local community and could use a few tips. We have an Advanced learning module inside our program as well as a four-week Advanced level course just for you!
To give you an example of something you might learn in this module, let me give you a scenario. This can apply to everyone, not just the service dog family. Mealtimes happen usually three times a day in the average family home. Does your dog want to be part of it? Do you find yourself doing your best to keep him off the table, counters and out of the way? In our Intermediate course we teach your dog the concept of station work, or teaching your dog to stay on place until released. In Advanced training, we teach your dog the Go In concept. This teaches your dog to go under the table, lie down and remain there until released.
For service dogs, we use this when at a restaurant or anywhere we need our dog to tuck away and not be in the way of others. We practice this under a desk, a table, in a booth, etc. At home you can use it in the same way - under a desk while doing homework or office work, under the table while eating a meal.
Think of everything your dog cannot be doing in the kitchen if they are laying under your table calmly waiting. They can’t be begging, jumping in peoples’ laps, or putting paws up on the counter to surf for something yummy. Awesome right!
To teach this, we start with luring. Remember anytime we teach a new behavior, you can always go back to this starting phase of using food to show your dog what the behavior looks like. Put that food reward (keep it small - the size of a pencil eraser) right on your dog’s nose and lure them under the table into a down position.
The second they are laying down, mark yes and give them the food reward. When introducing this task, I am going to assume your dog knows a basic down stay and has some duration built into it. The down stay has been proofed using the 4D’s. For help with that, be sure to complete our Basic and Intermediate level courses. After several initial reps, start saying, “Go In” as you point under the table. After 10+ reps of using the new cue, drop out the food lure and reach for the reward to pay them AFTER they are laying under the table. We are simply eliminating the help of the food lure. They are now choosing to do the behavior without the help, then being rewarded for the behavior once they do it.
Increase the length of the Go In behavior. Wait several seconds, then release with your release cue. I use “Okay,” said in the same unique tone every time so my dog recognizes it. Initially you may reward on the okay so they understand that is when they can move, but transition the reward to be given while they are waiting under the table so they are being rewarded doing the waiting behavior which is what we want.
With each succession, add time before giving your release cue. Refrain from practicing too many of these in a row. Consider your puppy’s work ethic, how patient they are and how focused they are during the session. Usually I will get 3-5 reps then practice something else or play a game my puppy loves that involves movement.
Over time, you can build this behavior out to several hours. Most family meals are not that long however, so don’t overdo it on time. I like to tell clients to train behaviors you will actually use. While no training is ever wasted as it is quality time with your dog, there is also no need to stress about reaching a certain level if you’ll never use that level. Right?
Just like we did with a down stay, we proof this Go In behavior as well. We start by adding duration, as described already, then we start to move away from the table while they remain under it, then we add distractions such as getting up and down from our chairs, adding people to the scenario. That’s right, in the beginning I make it as easy as possible for my dog to succeed so I am training this with just me in the room. Once my dog is showing success and we are ready to proof it, we introduce the family - possible one at a time depending on my dog’s needs.
Alright - you get the idea. If you’re up for a challenge and want to teach your dog a new useful skill, give Go In a try. Dogs can be part of meal time in a calm, settled way. No need to be begging or barking. They can simply relax under the table while you and your family or friends enjoy a meal together.
Need training help? Join our lifetime membership and get one-on-one coaching for all of your individual questions when you need. All of our classes and courses are recorded and available on demand for you to view when it works best for you!
I hope it is sunny and pleasant weather where you are today! Our sun is just starting to peak through the clouds and Baxter is ready to go play. Now we just need that snow to melt! Have an awesome week and happy training!