"Step" for Mobility/Brace and Better Stair Behavior (Patreon)

"Step" for Stair Behavior and Balance Support/Brace

What is your training objective in this video? In this video we want to introduce Whip to the concept of stepping up or down one step and stopping on each step. We will also introduce the concept of waiting while handler moves up or down a step. We will be introducing the “step” verbal cue (new cue) prior to the hand touch (known cue). Whip is not large enough for any mobility work so bracing will not be a part of this behavior for her. However, this would be one piece of the puzzle if you're looking for help with bracing on steps. Background: CoolWhip adores Becky. Becky is a trainer-friend of mine who mostly does fun, arousal/game things with CoolWhip. This is her first time working with her in any type of true “training” capacity. Refining the Behavior: Next Steps: The next session with this I would be working on strengthening the verbal cue so that I can get a step without needing the physical hand touch cue. End goal: The end goal of this behavior, if Whip were a larger dog, would be to be able to combine this behavior with bracing on the stairs after she’s given the wait cue. She would need to be introduced to bracing as a separate skill outside of the step. Because she is a small dog, the goal would be to see each step as a mini boundary to help with not rushing stairs. What Would I Do Differently? Hand Touch and Treat Placement: While I did mention having the handler treat on the left hand side, I didn’t have her commit to that plan and instead had her reach across her body. This caused Whip to bow out a bit in anticipation of the food. I think in the future I’d prefer to use the left hand for the touch and for the food reinforcement to reinforce straightness. I could then add in the brace, but still feed with the left hand during the acquisition phase of the training. I could also use something like peanut butter on a stick for a larger dog to treat in appropriate head placement.