Chapter 4: Expert Commands
Objective:
Teach your dog to bring you the TV Remote.
Method:
Start by showing your dog the remote and rewarding them for touching it with their nose. Use a high-value treat to keep their attention focused.
Gradually encourage them to pick it up by offering treats as they show interest in the remote. If they paw at it or nudge it with their nose, mark that behavior and reward them.
Once they successfully pick up the remote, mark the behavior with a click or verbal cue like “Yes!” and encourage them to bring it back to you by stepping backward and calling them excitedly.
When they reach you with the remote, reward them with treats and praise. If they drop the remote at your feet, mark that behavior and reward them again.
Practice fetching the remote from various locations around the house, placing it in different spots to reinforce the command and ensure they can locate it reliably.
Gradually increase the distance from which you ask them to fetch the remote, reinforcing their ability to find it from further away.
Tips & Troubleshooting:
If they ignore the remote, use a favorite toy to initiate interest, then gradually switch back to the remote after they engage with the toy.
If they bring back the wrong item, reinforce fetching the remote only, marking and rewarding them specifically for retrieving it. Be sure to show them the remote again before asking them to fetch.
If they seem confused about what to do, simplify the task by first encouraging them to play with the remote before asking them to fetch it.
If they lose interest, keep training sessions short and fun, around 5-10 minutes, to maintain their enthusiasm.
Always end training sessions on a positive note with praise and rewards, ensuring they associate fetching the remote with success and enjoyment.
Questions?
Email me at kevin@pawsitivetraining.org your questions and I will help in any way that I can!
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