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      Dog Catch

      This trick teaches your dog jumps into your arms.

      Introduction

      A dog catch is a trick where your dog jumps into your arms. It is a fun and impressive trick that can be taught to any dog with patience and training.

      Common Misconceptions

      Some people think that only small dogs can learn to do dog catches. However, any dog of any size can learn this trick, as long as they are physically able to jump.

      Steps to Address

      Teaching Phase:

      • Phase 1: Lure training
        • Sit in a chair and have your dog by your side.
        • Place a treat at your dog's nose and bring it above you to encourage him to leap into your lap.
        • Once your dog jumps onto your lap, mark it and treat it.
        • Repeat this step several times until your dog is consistently jumping onto your lap.
      • Phase 2: Removing the lure
        • After your dog is consistently jumping onto your lap, start to remove the treat as a lure.
        • To do this, simply bring the treat up to your nose and then lower it down without actually giving it to your dog.
        • If your dog jumps onto your lap, mark it and treat it.
        • Repeat this step several times until your dog is jumping onto your lap without the need for a treat.
      • Phase 3: Increasing the difficulty
        • Once your dog is consistently jumping onto your lap without the need for a treat, you can start to increase the difficulty.
        • To do this, move to a different location, such as a couch or the floor.
        • You can also start to add distractions, such as other people or animals.
        • Repeat this step several times until your dog is able to jump onto your lap in different locations and with distractions present.
      • Phase 4: Adding the verbal cue
        • Once your dog is consistently jumping onto your lap in different locations and with distractions present, you can start to add the verbal cue "catch".
        • To do this, say the cue word "catch" just before you bring the treat up to your nose.
        • If your dog jumps onto your lap, mark it and treat it.
        • Repeat this step several times until your dog is consistently jumping onto your lap when you say the cue word "catch".

      Reinforcing Phase:

      • Once your dog is successfully jumping into your arms 80-90% of the time with minimal reinforcement or lures, you can start giving a verbal cue "catch" just before he's about to jump and then reward variably the moment he jumps into your arms.

      Proofing Phase:

      • Start practicing "catch" around other environments with more energy and distraction. Add distance and duration gradually over time.

      Maintenance Phase:

      • Consistently practice dog catch in every obedience session, reinforcing variably over time upon completions. Apply corrections if the dog does not respond appropriately after one command.

      Case Studies

      There are many success stories of dogs who have learned to do dog catches. One such story is that of a dog named Buddy. Buddy was a rescue dog who was not very interested in learning tricks. However, with patience and training, he learned to do dog catches and even competed in dog shows.

      Pet Parent Coaching Tips

      Here are a few tips for pet parents who are teaching their dogs to do dog catches:

      • Be patient and positive. It takes time and patience to teach a dog to do a dog catch. Don't get discouraged if your dog doesn't get it right away. Just keep practicing and they will eventually learn.
      • Make sure your dog is having fun. If your dog is not enjoying themselves, they are less likely to want to learn.
      • Use positive reinforcement. Reward your dog for their efforts, even if they don't get it perfect right away.
      • Start with short training sessions. Don't try to teach your dog too much at once.
      • Be consistent with your training. Practice regularly and your dog will eventually learn to do dog catches.

      Conclusion

      Dog catches are a fun and impressive trick that can be taught to any dog with patience and training. With a little bit of practice, your dog will be catching you in no time!

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Q: How long does it take to teach a dog to do a dog catch?
        A: It depends on the individual dog. Some dogs may learn it in a few weeks, while others may take a few months. Just be patient and keep practicing and your dog will eventually learn to do dog catches.
      • Q: What kind of dog is best for learning dog catches?
        A: Any dog can learn to do dog catches, regardless of their breed or size. However, some breeds are more naturally inclined to this trick, such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Shelties.