New exercise in training class

[Vivianne]

We did something different at obedience last night. Our trainer had us all heeling around in a large circle. First she scattered mats, all sizes and textures, and then some orange cones, placed side by side with a gap between them. The exercise consisted of walking over or between these different types of materials. When the trainer called out HALT, we would stop, and if near any of these items, our dogs had to sit on them. (NOT on the cones by the way). The trainer explained that it was an exercise to get the dog used to sitting on various types of materials. That was all well and good.

After this exercise, the trainer then laid on the ground with a cone at her head and another at her feet. (She was belly down.) We then were asked to walk over her with the dogs. If the dogs stepped on her that was okay, but they were not allowed to stop and play or sniff the trainer, just continue walking through.

What was the purpose of this exercise? Has anyone else done this or similar? I would have been much more comfortable if we’d been asked to walk over an object, but a person. Does anyone have any opinions?

[Judi W]

Instructors often look for things to add variety, fun and hopefully have a training benefit. Sounds like that is what this is. We play a game of musical chairs at our dog school picnic that has the dogs sitting on a tile very similar to the heeling portion of what you describe. It is great fun. Stepping over her, was simply distraction work with an interesting bent. Enjoy

[CarolineS]

Once a dog learns a command, it needs "proofing". Proofing consists of putting the dog through the exercise with distractions going on. One challenging one we've had is putting the dog into a sit/stay and the distraction is the instructor calling your dog and waving a piece of liver under her nose!

[Vivianne]

Originally posted by CarolineS
One challenging one we've had is putting the dog into a sit/stay and the distraction is the instructor calling your dog and waving a piece of liver under her nose!

Madison would fail that one for sure.

Her hardest challenge to overcome has been while she is in a down/stay our trainer will place a cola can, with something in it that makes it rattle, and roll it across the ring with her feet. Till now Madison has always failed that one in varying degrees. However, if she is in a sit/stay she lets the can pass right on by.

We also need work on one other element of our training. Madison has known the trainer since puppy kindergarten when she was 4 months old. Madison is now 8 months old and when our trainer lines up all the dogs in a line and walks weaving in and out between them Madison can't help but follow (not all the time) someone she's known for so long. Don't get me wrong I know she should be obeying her commands regardless of who passes her, but Madison just loves the trainer and overcoming this is one of our other hard challenges.

[SABELLESMOM]

Sounds like your instructor has found an easy, fun way to provide distractions for your dog to ignore! ;) Have fun with it! The dogs should find training sessions interesting and fun. It's a good thing.
I'm not sure Sable could resist the liver under the nose thing!