Week 3

[Day 20] "Place" for professionals - How to keep your dog calm in any situation

October 26, 2024

Time to read 4 min

Basic obedience: Day 20 of 56

This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.

The "down" signal is not only a basic command, but also a real helper in many everyday situations. Especially when you are out and about, sitting in a café or want your dog to stay calm in a stimulating environment, a strong and reliable "down" is essential. It gives your dog clear boundaries and at the same time helps him to relax and switch off.

In this advanced lesson, you will learn how to specifically build up the "sit" so that your dog remains calm even in the face of strong external stimuli. Whether in a restaurant, on public transport or in the park - with the right training, your dog can stay relaxed in any situation. Set yourself clear goals and work with your dog step by step to make "sit" an indispensable tool!

Goal: The dog lies down immediately on the signal and stays in "down" until another signal or the cancellation signal is given.

Equipment: treats, Collar, Leash, clicker or marker signal

Location: Low-stimulus environment, later different locations

Duration: 5-10 repetitions, then rest

Trainingsplan Downlod

The advanced "place" - impulse control in every situation

The "down" signal is one of the most frequently used commands in dog training. But in the advanced version, it's not just about getting your dog to lie down, it's about keeping him calm and composed in challenging situations - no matter what's going on around him. This is where impulse control comes into play.

Why impulse control is so important

Many dogs tend to get up immediately or become nervous at exciting moments. This is understandable, as it takes a lot of self-control to remain calm when there are so many interesting stimuli in the environment. A well-trained "down" helps your dog to mentally take a step back and remain patient until you give him a new signal. This is particularly valuable in public situations, such as in a café or on public transport.

Step-by-step training for more success

As with any advanced training, it's about gradually consolidating the "down" command. You shouldn't expect your dog to immediately stay calm in a crowded café if he has only recently learnt the command. Instead, it is important that you build up the training in stages, starting in a low-stimulus environment. Here, your dog can learn to stay in "down" for longer without too much distraction. As soon as this works well, gradually increase the difficulty.

Training in stages helps you and your dog to achieve smaller intermediate goals that make the end goal more tangible. For example, if you often take your dog to cafés, you could have the first stage consist of your dog staying in 'sit' while you sit at the table at home. The next stage could be a quiet outdoor area, and finally you train the 'sit' in a busy café. This way, your dog will be able to concentrate on the "sit" even in difficult situations.

The dog lies in "place" and the human kneels over the dog so that his right leg forms a kind of tunnel over the dog.

Using the "place" in everyday life

An advanced "sit" is particularly useful if you want your dog to stay relaxed in everyday situations. Whether waiting in the park, on a walk with breaks or in a restaurant - a dog that reliably stays in "place" is less stressed and shows more calm and composure.

By training in different environments, your dog learns to associate 'down' with different situations without overreacting to external stimuli. This not only strengthens his impulse control, but also the bond between you, as your dog can always fall back on you as a safe anchor.

Trainingsplan Downlod

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Summary

The advanced "down" goes beyond simply lying down. It shows your dog how to stay calm and trust you in stressful or exciting moments, no matter what distractions are around him. Through the combination of impulse control and clear intermediate goals, the "down" becomes an indispensable command that gives you and your dog more security and composure in many everyday situations.

Set yourself clear goals, practise the "sit" in stages and increase the difficulty step by step. With patience and a structured training plan, your dog will learn to remain calm and relaxed even in the most challenging moments. A "sit" for professionals provides more control in everyday life and helps your dog to remain calm even in busy environments.

[Day 19] "Place" for advanced learners - perfecting eye contact and impulse control

The authors: Paulina & Lui

Paulina and Lui are the heart and soul behind Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store]. Her journey in dog training began with the adoption of her first list dog, Vito. This experience sparked her deep interest in teaching other dog owners about dog behaviour and training. Initially this was just a hobby, but with the adoption of the American Pitbull Amalia, who had been relinquished several times due to severe behavioural problems, her passion developed into a true vocation. Amalia's particular behavioural challenges intensified her interest in dog training and behavioural therapy. This turning point led Paulina and Lui to leave their original career paths, undergo intensive further training and dedicate themselves fully to the subject of dog training. Their work with human-dog teams also revealed a gap in the dog market: there was a lack of safe, high-quality dog accessories specifically for medium-sized and large breeds.

From this realisation, Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store] was born, a combination of their commitment to professional dog training and the need for quality dog accessories. Paulina and Lui bring their personal experience, extensive knowledge and passion for dogs to every product to help human-dog teams live together.