(private information for SCDR AND CBBR)

Mat Training

o  We are using a free-shaping technique to teach our dogs to enjoy going on their mat. In this video, Susan Garrett is showing the exercise, naming the mat the target or Hot Zone. She names it Hot Zone because she uses it as the spot where all the good stuff happens. Please be aware that she uses the word “search” to release the dog, but we just use the release cue “okay”.

o  Once our dogs are going out of their way to find the mat, we start expecting a sit. Once that is going well we can start expecting a down. Once our dogs run to the mat and lay down on it whenever we put it down anywhere we can start giving it a cue “On your mat”.

o  Between starting the target training and having it on a cue, we do not want to have the mat laying around because our dogs should always get rewarded when they choose to go there, but we are not always ready and watching.

o  As soon as the behaviour is on a cue we can leave the mat laying around and even take it places like cafes or friend’s houses.

o  Our dogs need to stay on the mat until released if they have been sent there. However, if they choose to go there on their own, they can leave on their own as well.

o  Here is the video:

o  Our goal will be to be able to send our dogs to their mat from big distances, even when it’s out of sight.

o  We can transfer the mat to “On your bed”, “In your crate”, “On the blanket”, “On the Spot” or whatever other places you want your dog to learn to go to and lay down on command.