Platform requirements:

  • Low, stable platform

  • 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 change position between stand and sit, with their back feet elevated on the platform, by only moving their front feet

What to do:

  1. Lure/cue dog to stand square, with their back feet on the platform and front feet on the floor

  2. Mark + treat with head in neutral position

  3. Lure/cue dog to weight shift to the back, moving their front feet backward, into a sit

  4. Mark + treat

  5. Lure/cue dog to weight shift to the front, walking their front feet forward, into a stand

  6. Mark + treat

Progression options:

  • Increase the number of repetitions

  • Same exercise with all four feet on the platform

  • Same exercise with front feet on the platform, back feet on the floor