You can start
training the ladder against a wall to keep the dog from walking off
the side. The dog should be on a short leash or tab. With the
leash in one hand, the handler guides the dog to enter the ladder by
showing him food with the other hand. The handler must bend
over with the food held just above the rungs of the ladder so that
the dog can see where it is walking and it isn't just lunging after
the food.
It is
important to keep the treat moving down the center of the ladder to
keep the dog going in a straight line.
The
dog will not like stepping on the rungs or sides and will quickly
learn that it can control where it places its feet. The dog
gets the treat after walking through the ladder.
Turn
around and switch hands so that the dog is now on the other side and
go through again.
Increase
the pace as the dog gets comfortable. Then move the ladder away from
the wall and start over. Progress as rapidly as the dog learns
to walk through the ladder without side stepping, squirming, or
jumping.
Some
dogs may need to be coaxed more than others. Some may not even
like to stand still with their feet in between the rungs at first.
This
simple exercise will help the dog learn to be more confident on the
dogwalk, seesaw, or anywhere it must use all four feet quickly and
accurately.
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