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Long distance Cues – So Handy!
When we first teach our dogs stationary skills like sit or down, we’re usually right next to them during the training process. Because of that, they often can only respond to the cues when close to us. If we give the cue from a distance, they may be happy to comply, but first they walk up to us and then do it.
Responding to cues from a distance can make the dog safer. Imagine your dog at a distance – even on your own property – and a delivery van is chugging up your driveway. You’re on one side of the driveway and your dog is on the other. But a simple ‘down’ cue stops him in his tracks and keeps him safe from the van.
Eons ago, I used to have a number of my pets in animal acting. That’s a situation where distance cues are vital.
There are lots of nifty ways to teach distance cues. My fave is folding in distance during the teaching process. When capturing a sit, for example, I mark that sit and then toss the treat behind the pup. With repetition, many pups abandon their approach toward me and just begin offering the sit at a distance. Being near me was never an important aspect of their performance. Cool, right?
Other techniques:
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Tether the dog or have him behind a gate – stand nearby, give the cue and reward the correct response. Gradually step back as you continue practicing. The tether prevents forward motion. And before you know it, the ‘barrier’ is no longer required.
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Train at the base (or top) of stairs – stand on the first step, give the cue, reward the correct response. Gradually work your way up (or down) more steps, as your dog catches on. The change in topography will sometimes work to keep the dog planted rather than approaching you. Similarly, you could put the dog up on a platform, which may discourage forward motion when he hears the cue.
Some sports require certain behaviors at a distance: herding and agility come to mind. ????Are distance cues part of your training?
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11 Replies
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[fabulous artwork by Carol Byrnes!]
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???? I love this photo!!! ????
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Great cartoon – bless Carol Byrnes! Fun fact: she tested me with my very first Delta Pet Partner therapy dogs… circa 1995 (I think). She also was one of several trainers who demonstrated choice in training, and helped me move away from more traditional methods. She’s phenomenal for all the reasons.
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I love her. She’s my “western sis!”
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So cool. Cue???? “It’s a Small World After All”????
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Agree – the addition of distance to our training plans is an important component for any dog allowed off-leash.
I love letting my dogs romp freely and we work on recalls from distractions on the regular. But equally important is a DOWN Immediately and right where you are! I have, more than once, used this cue at a great distance to keep my dog safe. One time there was a maintenance road which I’d never before seen used – but as soon as my dogs were on the other side of it, here comes a Jeep roaring through. I was sure glad that I’d worked on distance downs!
With my current girls, I started recently working on this again. We play DOWN games for speed and precision in the yard and as we get started on an off-lead walk. Bliss is a lot quicker at it… Joy has a longer history of being near me for rewards and she’s going a bit deaf and blind, so sometimes she has to be closer before she responds. I won’t be putting her at risk with a road anytime soon. Nonetheless, it’s still a great emergency cue we are happy to practice.
Thanks for the fun video and great tips!
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Hey @virginiad and @catherine ….
This is a great idea! I often forget that it’s important to work distance into our lessons and to get the people to see the need for it. We always think of it suddenly, when we want the dog to “go to Place”, it makes sense to start on this with the basic cues they always know first.
I will definitely bring this into lessons! Thank you for the awesome video, too. Looks possible with many dogs/clients.
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You’re welcome, Paula. So glad it can be helpful.
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Yay! Thank you for sharing this. I’ve wanted to add distance training into my classes! ????
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Let us know how it goes in your classes, @sandy !
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