Welcome to week 3 of the PAWposeful Challenge: Dog Parkour, Place Command, and Bonding Fun. This week, we’re diving into fun, focused activities that nurture your dog’s body, mind, and heart. Let’s get started!
See Week 4 Here
Body: Dog Parkour Training: Teach Your Dog to Go "Under" Obstacles
Dog parkour is an excellent way to boost your dog’s confidence, coordination, and focus. This week, we’re introducing the "Under" skill. See all the Novice Level skills from the International Dog Parkour Association.
What to do:
Find an obstacle that is less than shoulder height for your dog—a park bench, a low table, or even a sturdy chair. Encourage your dog to pass completely under it. Reward them for going all the way through, and be patient as they learn.
Why it matters:
This activity strengthens your dog's physical fitness, while teaching them to navigate the environment with purpose. Plus, it’s a fantastic mental workout!
Tip: Use treats or a favorite toy to guide your dog under the obstacle if they’re hesitant. Keep the session positive and fun!
Behavior: How to Train the "Place" Command: A Step-by-Step Guide
The "place" command teaches your dog to go to a specific area, like a bed or mat, and stay there until released. It’s a versatile skill that helps create calm moments at home or in public. Watch this in action with trainer, Steve Del Savio from Pack Leader Dogs.
How to teach it:
- Choose a designated spot, such as a dog bed or mat.
- Use a treat to lure your dog to the spot and say, “Place.”
- Once your dog is on the spot, reward them and add the command “Stay.”
- Gradually increase the duration before releasing them with a cue like “Okay.”
Why it matters:
This skill is useful for managing your dog during meals, when guests arrive, or in busy environments. It promotes calm behavior and self-control.
Tip: Practice in short sessions and gradually increase difficulty by adding distractions.
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