Guide 4: Sit-Stay Success, Part 2
Speed up your way to sit-stay success using a place board - Part 2
What is the idea behind using Place Boards in sit-stay in dog training?
‘Place boards’ are a raised platform, with a non-slip textured top, which contrasts with the surrounding surface.
In our foundation training, we encourage the dog onto the board and into a sit and remain sitting until they hear they hear us say “OK” as a release cue.
We build positive associations being on the board by rewarding them for their behaviour.
(Check out our earlier blogs in the series by Clicking Here).
Why does using place boards in training stay speeds up success?
The texture of the mat on top provides a tactile contrast to the surrounding surface so there will be a perceptible difference to the dog having all four paws in the right place versus offering the wrong position.
For example: when practising sit & stay we can teach the dog that when they place all four paws on the boards is when they earn a reward, whereas if they step off or creep forward, they will not earn a treat, so the dog will be less likely to break their sit-stay and offer incorrect behaviour in the future.
How do you train sit-stay as you walk away using Place Boards?
1. Say ‘sit’.
2. lift one leg, put it back down. Mark (clicker or word) and reward if they stay in a sit.
3. Next, take one foot back, in a lunge, leaving one foot where it is. Mark (clicker or word) and reward if they stay it a sit.
4. Take one step back, return immediately to reward.
5. Continue adding steps up to 5 paces.
Goal to achieve: Practice until your dog remains sitting as you take 5 steps away and return straight back.
Want a challenge?
You can make the exercise harder by adding a distraction after walking out 5 paces, for example…
· Dropping food or a toy and pick it up.
· Make an exciting noise.
· Waving your arms.
… Before you return to the dog to reward.
If you found this blog post interesting, you might like to look at our bronze class where Place Boards feature to train start line steadiness.
About the author:
Hi 👋 I’m Emma, accredited as a professional dog trainer by the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT). I help owners of energetic dogs achieve the dog-owning life they envisioned by providing robust obedience & agility training for dogs in Balsham, near Cambridge.
Disclaimer: The content of this article does not include personalised advice and is for information purposes only. If you need individual advice or other enquiries please click here to get in contact or if you're not local to Anglian Dog Works, you can find a trainer in your area by going to the IMDT website: https://www.imdt.uk.com/find-a-qualified-imdt-trainer
Please share your questions and progress:
We would love to see how you get on with your dog’s introduction to place boards. For tips from our trainer and to share success post your pictures and videos in the Anglian Dog Works Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/angliandogworks