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5. Sit & Wait (Sit-Stay) Continued...

Exercise 5.5 - Stay Under Distraction

Four great exercises to see how your dog’s impulse control is developing!

 

1. STAY WITH RELEASE

Demonstrates impulse control and the ability to remain stationary with distractions.   

  1. Place your dog in a sit or down
  2. Cue your dog to stay
  3. Place your food bowl approximately 5 to 10 ft. (1.5 – 3 m) in front of the dog, and return to heel position.  
  4. The dog must remain stationary for at least 5 seconds, after which release your dog towards the bowl, using a verbal cue and/or signal.  

Tip: Remember that your dog must move when given the release cue!

 

2. STAY UNDER DISTRACTION

Demonstrates impulse control in the presence of a distraction and without eye contact from the handler.

  1. Place your dog in a sit or down
  2. Cue your dog to stay
  3. Place your food bowl distraction on the ground a couple of feet behind the dog. 
  4. Walk away approximately 10 ft. (3 m) forward without looking back at your dog and wait 15 seconds with your back to the dog. 
  5. The dog must not change position or turn around during this time (looking back at the distraction is acceptable). 
  6. Return to your dog and stand in heel position for 1–2 seconds.  The exercise ends at the end of the 1-2 second count in heel position. 
  7. Release your dog to eat the food.

Tips:  

  • You must remain facing away from your dog for the full 15 seconds; no looking back even as you walk away!
  • The exercise does not end until you return to heel position and stand for 1 to 2 seconds — stay silent until you arrive back in position.

 

3. STAY THEN RECALL AWAY FROM DISTRACTION

Demonstrates self-control in the presence of and approaching distractions.

  1. Set your dog up in heel position
  2. Cue your dog to stay
  3. Place your food bowl 1-2 ft behind your dog
  4. Leave your dog and walk approximately 10 ft forward.
  5. Recall your dog to you and reward in front
  6. Bring your dog back into heel position and ask for attention
  7. Walk a few steps forward in heel back towards the distraction
  8. Cue a position change
  9. Release your dog to eat the food

 

4. STAY WHILE HANDLER MOVES EQUIPMENT

Demonstrates stationary control in the presence of moving distractions.

  1. Place your dog in a sit or down
  2. Cue your dog to stay
  3. Then arrange your training area with some portable items of equipment or furniture for 20 seconds or so
  4. Release your dog to end the exercise.

 

Have fun!

 

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