Platform requirements:

  • Low, stable platform

  • At least as wide as the distance between the dog’s back feet

  • At least as long as the distance between your dog’s front feet and their butt + 1-2 inches when laying down; use a longer platform in the beginning

Exercise:

  • Have dog execute position change: down -> sit -> down on platform, with control and precision

What to do:

  1. Lure/cue dog to lie down on platform

  2. Lure/cue dog to push themselves up into a sit

  3. Mark + treat

  4. Lure/cue dog to lower themselves into a down

  5. Mark + treat

Progression options:

  • Increase number of repetitions

  • Increase incline/decline