Platform requirements:

  • Low, stable platform

  • The “long” side of the platform needs to be 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 with their back feet along the long end of the platform, while keeping their front feet on the platform

What to do:

  1. Lure/cue dog to put front feet on the platform

  2. Lure/cue dog to side step laterally

  3. Mark + treat each step sideways

  4. Repeat until dog side steps to the other end of the platform

Progression options: