Goal

Puppy remains in heel position with 2 front feet on the paw pad when distraction is offered.

Why

Continued impulse control.

Set Up

• Assistant wearing a bait bag with the same rewards as the handler
• Puppy off leash
• Paw pad

Caution

If at any stage puppy comes off the paw pad to get the distraction, WAIT for the puppy to make the choice to step back on. If the puppy is too distracted by the assistant/food, pick the puppy up and reset behind the paw pad. If puppy continues to come off the paw pad, go back to the previous sessions and work on standing duration.

Procedure

1. The handler marks and rewards the puppy as in previous sessions, for standing on the paw pad for 10-12 seconds between the marks.
2. While the puppy is being rewarded for standing, the assistant approaches the front of the paw pad (facing the puppy) and stops approximately 2-3 feet away, with food distraction still in the bait bag.
3. The handler keeps rewarding the puppy. While the puppy is being rewarded and chewing, the assistant slowly starts to squat down toward the ground. The rate of reinforcement must increase for the puppy to be successful. Naturally the puppy will want to greet the assistant. If the puppy moves off the paw pad, the assistant stands up and ignores the puppy and the handler picks the puppy up and places him behind the paw pad. Mark and reward when the puppy is back on the paw pad. The assistant can start squatting after a few marks and rewards.  
4. While the puppy is being rewarded, the assistant gets a food distraction out of the bait bag. The handler must mark and reward rapidly while the puppy is watching the assistant remove food from their bait bag (this is very distracting).
5. Once the assistant has the food in their hand, open the hand so the puppy can see the food. The handler marks and rewards the puppy for not leaving the paw pad. Once the marker word has been said, the assistant closes their hand, covering up the food. Allow the puppy to chew and swallow the reward before the assistant opens the hand and offers the food distraction once again.
6. Slowly increase the duration between marks and rewards.
7. Practice several repetitions then give the puppy a mental/get busy break before the next step. After the break, continue the training session.
8. Jump start puppy by reviewing the food distraction with the assistant.
9. Now the puppy should be able to hold their position on the paw pad for 7-10 seconds. The assistant should place the food on the floor. Be prepared to cover the food so the puppy cannot reach the food. If the puppy scores, stop and review steps 1-8.
10. If the puppy is successful and ignores the food on the floor for 5-6 seconds, the assistant can pick up the kibble and drop it when their hand is 2-3 inches above the floor. The handler needs to mark and reward for success. Gradually the distance of the dropped kibble can increase, as long as the puppy is successfully ignoring the kibble.
11. Once the puppy is able to remain in position on the paw pad while food is dropped 2-3 feet off the ground by the assistant, the handler can start dropping a kibble in front of pup, as if the handler accidentally dropped a food reward. Rapidly mark and reward the puppy for staying in position on the paw pad but quickly progress to increasing duration after food is dropped.