4. The Magic Carpet Game
Magic Carpet Game
When teaching the beginnings of a "Mat" or "Place" cue, I am marking when my dog has any interaction with the mat.
Things you should consider when training this:
- This game is usually easier to play after your dog hasn't had access to the bed or mat you are using for awhile and its return is "interesting" to them. Be ready to mark as soon as you sit the mat down.
- There is no need add a verbal cue to this right now. So, hold off on saying "Mat", "Bed", or "Place" for now.
- Be fast with your clicks and make sure you reward your dog on their bed by dropping the treats onto the bed after they interact with it.
- Do not motion towards the bed with your hands if you can avoid it. Stare at the bed instead of your dog to encourage them to check it out and just wait.
- Once you have this down, practice this in more distracting areas and see how well your dog does or move up to marking for just sits or downs offered on the mat.