FF230: Tricks with a Purpose

Rear foot targeting is beneficial not just for the body awareness aspect but it can actually help a dog learn pivoting as well as be the foundation for backing up or even 2-on-2-off for agility. You can also use it to teach a pop-back stand for obedience as well. 

Find a low wide target, it should be a noticeably different texture or raised up off the floor so that your dog can easily distinguish whether they are on it or not. It is better to free-shape this behavior.  Mark and reward for any interaction with the target to begin with, then gradually increase your criteria to all four paws on.

Reward placement is important, you want to reward low an in front of the target to encourage front paws off and rear paws on. Reward multiple times for being in the correct place and occasionally toss a reward to reset. At this point, it doesn’t matter how your dog reproaches the target or how they get into the rear foot targeting position.

As your dog begins to understand the correct position, reward a few times in place and then reward slightly further from the target so that your dog has to lean forward (but not step off the object). Mark and reward the weight shift back into position after they eat the reward. Once again, a few rewards in place and then one further away. Gradually increase how far the reward is so that eventually, your dog has to take one step off the object. If they step backwards to get back on the target, jackpot! If they step around and get into the rear foot targeting position any other way, still reward it as you have been.

As your dog figures out to reach back with their feet to get back into the rear foot targeting position, move the reward further and further out until your dog is taking multiple steps back. 

" target="_blank" rel="noopener">

Backup

Continue to place the "out of position" reward further and further so your dog is taking multiple steps back. If at any time, your dog circles to go back to the target instead of backing onto it, you've progressed a little too quickly in regards to distance. Reward at or close to the target once your dog backs up to it. 

Add a verbal cue once your dog is backing up multiple steps. Say the cue just prior to when your dog offers the behavior. If they do not do the behavior, do not repeat the cue, just wait them out or toss a reset cookie. Try very hard to not say the cue unless you are sure your dog will back up. 

Once your dog is backing up to the target when you say the verbal cue, go ahead and fade the target. Do a few reps with it, and then toss a reset reward as you take it away. When your dog comes back for another rep, give the cue like normal. Mark and reward before they get to the point of where the target used to be. You can always put the target back as needed to reinforce the behavior if performance slides.