Platform requirements:

  • Low, stable platform

  • The “short” side of the platform need to be at least as wide as the distance between the dog’s back 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 all around the platform, while keeping their front feet on the platform

What to do:

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

  2. Lure/cue the dog to side step laterally

  3. Mark + treat each step sideways

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

  5. Continue around the short edge of the platform

  6. Repeat until the dog side steps around the other end of the platform

Progression options: