K9 Self-Control Exercises

The following exercises can help the dog learn the CONCEPT of self control. I recommend working through them in order, and even if the dog knows some of the games, still work through them as a refresher.

1 NO MUGGINGDownload
2 HAND ZEN- Floor Zen check sheetDownload
3 Slow treats- Take Treats GentlyDownload
4 Wait for food bowl to be put downDownload
5 GET ITDownload
6 LEAVE it check sheet1Download
7 Go to your matDownload
8 Door MannersDownload
9 Do Nothing and other self control behaviorsDownload
9a Do nothing when handler is talking to othersDownload
10 Advanced Mat trainingDownload
11 Distracted not disconnectedDownload

Dealing with a dog that loses its mind can be really hard.  They might embarrass you, or even hurt you, and they will for sure frustrate you.

Remember that when YOU are over threshold and frustrated or angry or hurt, you won’t be a good trainer and will struggle to communicate what you want the dog to do.

So if things ‘go sideways’ and the dog loses his mind, go into management mode. Your job at that point is to just control the damage (literal or figurative) and minimize the dog’s rehearsal of what you don’t want him to do.  Distance is your friend.  It is NOT the time to be trying to train! The dog is over threshold and can’t think, you are frustrated and not thinking clearly, and it will be very hard for you to model calm behavior. Get the dog out of the situation and re-group.

Work on training when you are calm and the dog is able to think. Keeping the dog below the point where they lose their mind during training and very gradually building the excitement in increments that the dog can handle is the best way to help them handle highly exciting environments and triggers.