K-9 LifeSavers

Teaching your dog to back up has many uses, not only is it a core move if you have any aspirations of doggy dancing, but it can also be an important command to use around the house when your K-9 is getting a little too close to something he shouldn't be into.

• Ideally you want to teach your dog to move in a straight line backward, so teach this trick in a hallway that will help guide him in a straight line.
• Stand facing your dog holding a treat in a fist directly in front of his nose. Press gently on his nose while walking toward him giving him the verbal cue "back up." As your dog takes a few steps backward, praise him and give him the treat.
  * If your dog twists away from you instead of moving straight backward, use your body to narrow the space, or create more of a narrow tunnel to work in.
• Once your dog starts to understand what you are asking of him, decrease the amount you push on his nose, but exaggerate your walk toward him, allowing your knees to gently bump into his chest while using your hand to signal him to move backward.
• Over time take smaller steps forward, without touching your dog, and eventually keep stationary while your dog moves backward.  Once he has managed to move away from you, toss him the treat, instead of calling him back to you to give him the reward.

*Tip: Make sure to hold the treat just as your dog's nose level - going to low or too high could cause him to sit or bow.

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