Being able to direct our dog from a distance can be a fantastic tool in our toolbox. Most often, we use these cues around the house to direct our dogs on and off of furniture or their beds. But this is a tool we can easily take on the road and use in public places to manage our dogs’ behavior – it works hand in hand with a solid station cue and turns any platform into a potential station!
When our dogs are fluent in their On! and Off! skills, we will be able to direct them to hop up onto or hop off of any raised surface from a distance.
Teaching On! and Off!
What you’ll need: your dog, treats, a quiet non-distracting environment, and a platform. Your platform can be any raised surface that you don’t mind your dog spending time on: a couch, their bed, a retaining wall, agility equipment, etc. Keep in mind that your dog will be repeatedly jumping on and off this surface – so make sure the height is suitable for their joints!
- First, make sure your dog is comfortable with the platform and has no discomfort hopping up onto it.
- Lure your dog onto the platform. If your dog is hesitant, take things slow and split it into baby steps. Once your dog is on the platform, give them a few treats for hanging out!
- Lure your dog down with a treat. Give them a few treats for hanging out!
- Repeat the above steps 2-3x, or until your dog is confidently and quickly hopping up on the platform and hopping down.
- Add your cues! Right before you lure your dog onto the platform, say “On!” and reward them for jumping on. Before luring them down, say “Off!” and reward them for jumping off.
- Fade the lure. This is a very important step, and requires some sleight of hand!
