Platform requirements:

  • Low, stable platform

  • The “short” side of the platform need to be at least as wide as the dog’s back feet

  • The “long” side of the platform need to be at least as long as the dog’s body length

  • No higher than the dog’s hock (i.e., ankle) height

  • Use a lower height platform in the beginning

Exercise:

  • Have dog back up on the platform

What to do:

  1. Lure/cue the dog to stand on one end of the platform

  2. Mark + treat

  3. Lure/cue the dog to back up on the platform

  4. Mark + treat

  5. Repeat and vary the distance of back up

Progression options:

  • Increase the distance of back up

  • Increase incline/decline