Before you start teaching your dog the positions, set yourself and your dog up for success by preparing the environment with everything you need. In addition to preparing the environment, prepare yourself. Your dog should understand the meaning of his conditioned reinforcer (CR) before you start. If he doesn't, go back and play the eye-contact game until he does.

What You Need

You'll need to set up your training area with everything you need to control and reinforce your dog. To keep your dog with you and to help you achieve certain behaviors, keep a collar and leash handy. You can let your dog drag the leash if you want so you can step on it to keep him from wandering.

You'll also need treats, and lots of them. What you use will depend on your (and your dog's) preferences, but whatever you use needs to be something your dog likes and is willing to work for.

You may also want to have a few special toys in your training area. You can use them during play breaks, and to motivate your dog. As your training progresses, you'll also use them as distractions to challenge your dog.