[Day 19] "Place" for advanced learners - perfecting eye contact and impulse control
Basic obedience: Day 19 of 56
This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
You have already successfully built up the "down" signal, but now it's time to go one step further: "down" for advanced learners! In this training level, you combine the "stay" signal with eye contact to further strengthen your dog's impulse control. Eye contact not only promotes your dog's attention, but also gives him the confidence to focus on you instead of reacting to the stimuli in the environment.
The Protocol for Relaxation is a valuable addition to this training because it helps your dog to resist the impulse to follow you immediately. You will see how your dog relaxes through targeted exercises and learns to remain calm even in challenging situations.
Let's work together to make the "Platz" an even stronger tool in everyday life!
Objective: The dog lies down immediately on the signal, maintains eye contact and remains lying down until another signal or the cancellation signal is given.
Equipment: treats, Collar, Leash, clicker or marker signal
Location: Low-stimulus environment, later different locations
Duration: 5-10 repetitions, then rest
"Space" for advanced users - more than just lying down
The "down" signal is one of the basic commands in dog training. But when your dog masters this signal perfectly, even in difficult situations, it opens up many new possibilities in everyday life. The advanced "down" signal goes beyond simply staying down. It combines eye contact and impulse control, which helps your dog to pay even better attention to you and stay calm in challenging moments.
Impulse control as the key to success
The "down" signal combined with eye contact is an effective exercise in impulse control. Many dogs have a tendency to get up immediately when they are excited or when you move away. By reinforcing eye contact, your dog will learn to control their impulses and stay calm even when you leave the room or distractions arise.
The Protocol for Relaxation is a great support in this case. It provides a step-by-step guide to show your dog that he can remain calm and relaxed even in your absence or in the presence of strong stimuli. This form of training not only strengthens impulse control, but also your dog's trust in you and the environment.
Why eye contact is important
In the advanced version of "Platz", eye contact is introduced as an additional element. Why? Because eye contact signals to your dog that he should focus on you, even when distractions are happening around you. It creates a mental connection between you and your dog that helps him stay calm and not get overwhelmed by external stimuli.
Dogs are visual animals, and by making eye contact you reinforce their focus on you. This is particularly helpful in everyday situations where your dog encounters other dogs, people or unexpected noises. With a fixed "place" and eye contact, your dog has a clear focal point - you.
Mastering everyday situations
With a reliable "down" and additional eye contact, you can master many everyday challenges in a more relaxed manner. Whether you're sitting in a café and want your dog to stay calm or you're standing on a busy street - a "down" with additional eye contact gives you and your dog the security you need.
The advanced "place" becomes an indispensable signal when it comes to keeping your dog's attention and calming him down in agitated situations. This exercise takes you both to a new level of communication and strengthens the trust your dog has in you.
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Summary
The advanced "down" is more than just an extension of the simple lie down. It teaches your dog not only to stay physically calm, but also to be mentally focussed on you - no matter how distracting the environment may be. Eye contact strengthens the bond between you and your dog, while impulse control helps him to relax and react calmly.
By using the Protocol for Relaxation, your dog will learn that he doesn't have to jump up immediately when you move away. Instead, he can stay calmly and safely in his "place" until you give him a new signal. With patience and consistent training, you will reach a professional level in "down" training that will bring many benefits to both you and your dog in everyday life.
This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
The authors: Paulina & Lui
Paulina and Lui are the heart and soul behind Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store]. Her journey in dog training began with the adoption of her first list dog, Vito. This experience sparked her deep interest in teaching other dog owners about dog behaviour and training. Initially this was just a hobby, but with the adoption of the American Pitbull Amalia, who had been relinquished several times due to severe behavioural problems, her passion developed into a true vocation. Amalia's particular behavioural challenges intensified her interest in dog training and behavioural therapy. This turning point led Paulina and Lui to leave their original career paths, undergo intensive further training and dedicate themselves fully to the subject of dog training. Their work with human-dog teams also revealed a gap in the dog market: there was a lack of safe, high-quality dog accessories specifically for medium-sized and large breeds.
From this realisation, Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store] was born, a combination of their commitment to professional dog training and the need for quality dog accessories. Paulina and Lui bring their personal experience, extensive knowledge and passion for dogs to every product to help human-dog teams live together.