The Power of the 'Break' Command: Building Confidence One Climb At a Time!

You will need:

• A leash with a tight fitted collar. (Preferably a slip lead. We don’t want any escapes if they decide to back up quickly. 😄)

• A highly motivating food, treat, or toy!

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

Getting your dog to climb on something new

Start very small by walking up to the new object and putting the treat or toy on the object in order to get the dog just to touch the new object.  Even if it is just with a tongue or nose. Break and reward!

Using the leash as a steering wheel (not a way to force them on), place the reward  a bit higher up so the dog has to at least put one paw on the new object.  As soon as they touch it with a paw, break and reward!

From this point on we are just encouraging baby step improvements.  2 paws- break and reward.  Three paws- break and reward.  Don’t forget to praise your dog for every new milestone achieved!

Once you have baby-stepped your way up to the full objective (climbing all the way up on that rock or going all the way over an A-frame, etc.) make a BIG deal about it!  Celebrate with them! Dance with them!  Give them a really yummy reward or a super fun game of tug!  Lots of love and booty scritches!

After the party, repeat the new activity with big, high value rewards.

Finally, take a break and reward your awesome pup and yourself for a job well done!  Remember, if you are happy, your doggo will be, too!