Transitioning Stays from Platform to Mat (Patreon)

In this session I am transitioning Denver's stay from the platform (which has very defined boundaries) to the ground/mat which has significantly less definition. The use of the mat that was on the platform does provide some support through the transition, showing Denver where his spot is, but does not "keep him there" the way the platform does.

Because I've changed something of significance about the "picture" of the stay, I start building it over from scratch like I've never taught it before, starting with simply practicing bending over, delivering the treat, and then standing back up. Because if he can't handle me simply standing up while maintaining the down, he certainly can't handle me walking away.

You'll notice at :53 through he goes from the down to the sit when I reach for my treat pouch to reload my hand. I simply wait for a moment until he goes back to the down, but then I don't immediately treat for that. I instead do a small step in the down progression. Why? Because if I reinforce him for getting back into the down, I am essentially reinforcing the behavior chain of getting up and then going back into the down, and if that is repeated consistently, he is likely motivated to get out of position so he can be rewarded for getting back into the position.

Now if I needed to use food once during the training session to help with position, that's not a big deal, but twice is information that I'm progressing beyond the dog's ability to understand the task at that moment and I instead need to make a change to my training plan.

Also, this session is purposefully quiet and boring. I want to match the energy I want him to have in this moment, which is calm, chill vibes. :)

Filmed 12/04/24