"Back Up and Treat" is a simple and effective game designed to help you and your dog quickly and calmly move away from a potentially scary situation, such as another dog approaching. Here's how to get started:
1. Preparation
Gather some of your dog's favorite, easy-to-eat treats.
Choose a distraction-free area, like your home or yard.
2. Initial Training:
Start with your dog beside you.
Walk forward a few steps, then hold a treat in front of your dog's nose.
Quickly move backward, leading your dog to follow the treat and turn to face you.
As your dog follows and turns, mark the behavior (using a clicker or a verbal cue like "yes") and reward them with the treat.
Repeat this process until your dog quickly turns and follows you as soon as you move backward.
3. Advanced Training:
Once your dog consistently follows the treat, practice without holding the treat in your hand. The goal is for your dog to respond to your movement rather than just the treat.
Start with straight lines, then introduce changes in direction, such as moving at right angles, to guide your dog out of the path of oncoming danger.
4. Real-World Application:
Practice in various environments to help your dog generalize the behavior.
Vary the rewards to maintain your dog's interest and ensure they respond even if you forget your treat bag.
By practicing "Back Up and Treat," you'll be able to effectively manage situations in which you need to avoid your dog seeing or reacting to something scary while maintaining their focus on you.
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