Beginner
Platform requirements:
Low, stable platform
At least as wide as the distance between the dog’s front feet
No higher than the dog’s hock (i.e., ankle) height
Use a lower height platform in the beginning
Exercise:
Have dog side-step up/down the platform with front feet
What to do:
Lure/cue dog to put their front feet onto the short side of the platform
Mark + treat
Lure/cue dog to side-step OFF the platform
Mark + treat
Lure/cue dog to side-step ONTO the platform
Mark + treat
Repeat steps 3-6 for both left and right sides
Progression options:
Increase number of side-steps