Tricks & Training
Chapter 5: NEW TRICKS

Guard Me

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Objective:

Teach your dog to sit under your legs, facing away from you, as though they are “guarding” you while you are standing.

Method:

  1. Get into Position: Stand tall with your legs apart, creating enough space for your dog to sit under you. Make sure you are standing still so your dog can focus on you and the task.

  2. Guide Your Dog into Position: Hold a treat in your hand and guide your dog to sit under your legs. You can use the treat to lure them under your legs, ensuring that they are facing the opposite direction from you, with their back toward you.

  3. Introduce the Command: As soon as your dog is sitting under your legs and facing away from you, say the verbal cue "Guard me" in a calm, assertive voice. Immediately mark the behavior (using a clicker or verbal cue like “Yes!”) and reward them with the treat.

  4. Reinforce the Position: Once your dog is consistently sitting under your legs facing away from you, start reinforcing this position by giving the "Guard me" command before they settle. Hold the treat at their nose to guide them into the position, ensuring they are sitting under your legs and facing away from you.

  5. Add Duration and Stability: Once your dog understands the position, begin to add duration. Ask them to stay in the “Guard me” position for a few seconds before rewarding them. Gradually increase the time they stay in position before offering a reward.

  6. Practice Movement: Once your dog is reliably sitting under your legs and facing away from you, you can begin moving around slightly while maintaining the "Guard me" position. This will help them stay focused on you and maintain the guarding position even when you're not completely still. Mark and reward when they successfully maintain the position.

Tips & Troubleshooting:

  • If your dog won’t stay in position: Start by rewarding them for small steps toward the correct position, like sitting under your legs or facing away. If they get up too quickly, go back to a shorter duration before rewarding.

  • If your dog isn’t sitting under your legs: Use the treat to guide them into the right position, and be sure to reward them as soon as they sit correctly. You can also practice getting them to sit under your legs in other scenarios before reinforcing the "Guard me" position.

  • If your dog is distracted: Practice in a quiet, low-distraction area to help your dog focus. Gradually introduce distractions as they get more comfortable in the position.

  • If your dog struggles with the "guard" stance: Be patient and practice moving them gradually into the position. If needed, use a more visible lure (like a treat held higher) to guide them.

Questions?

Email me at kevin@pawsitivetraining.org your questions and I will help in any way that I can!

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