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      Leg Vault

      This teaches your dog the "Leg Vault" trick

      Leg Vault

      Leg Vault

      Introduction

      A leg vault is a fun and impressive trick that can be taught to most dogs. It is a great way to get your dog some exercise and to build their confidence.

      To do a leg vault, your dog will need to jump over your leg. This can be a challenging trick for some dogs, so it is important to start slowly and be patient.

      Things you may need:

      • Chuckit Paraflight Flyer
      • Treats or other rewards

      Common Misconceptions

      Some people believe that it is difficult or impossible to teach a dog to do a leg vault. However, this is not the case. With patience and consistency, most dogs can learn this trick.

      Another misconception is that you need to use a special tool or device to teach a dog to do a leg vault. This is also not true. You can use a variety of methods, including clicker training, positive reinforcement, and shaping.

      Steps to address

      Teaching Phase

      1. Choose the leg you'd like your dog to vault off of and have him sit by that leg. Knell down and bend the vaulting leg in front of you. Your dog's front paws should be brought to your leg.
      2. When both paws are on your leg, praise and reward.
      3. Present the frisbee to your dog and encourage him to push off your leg and grab the frisbee.
      4. Repeat step 3 several times until your dog is consistently pushing off your leg.

      Reinforcing Phase

      1. Once you've mastered the above steps, begin tossing the frisbee a short distance for your dog to catch. Begin with a very short toss before continuing with longer distances.
      2. Continue to praise and reward your dog for successfully completing the leg vault.

      Proofing Phase

      1. Start practicing Leg Vault around other environments with more energy and distraction.
      2. Add distance and duration gradually over time.
      3. For example, you can practice in a different room of your house, then in the backyard, then at a park. You can also add distractions, such as other people or animals.

      Maintenance Phase

      1. Consistently practice Leg Vault in every obedience session, reinforcing variably over time upon completions. Apply corrections if the dog does not respond appropriately after one command.
      2. For example, you can start by rewarding your dog every time they do a leg vault correctly. Then, you can start to reward them less often, such as only once every few times. You can also start to add distractions, such as other people or animals.

      Case Studies

      • Case Study 1: A Golden Retriever named Buddy was taught to do a leg vault using a Chuckit Paraflight Flyer. His owner started by teaching Buddy to jump over a low object, such as a stick. Once Buddy was consistently jumping over the low object, his owner started to raise the object higher. After a few weeks of practice, Buddy was able to vault over a 6-foot object.
      • Case Study 2: A Labrador Retriever named Lucy was taught to do a leg vault using treats. Her owner started by teaching Lucy to jump over a low object, such as a chair. Once Lucy was consistently jumping over the low object, her owner started to introduce the cue word "vault." When Lucy vaulted over the object, her owner gave her a treat. After a few weeks of practice, Lucy was able to vault over a 4-foot object.

      Pet Parent Coaching Tips

      • Be patient and consistent. It may take some time for your dog to learn this trick.
      • Use positive reinforcement. Reward your dog with treats or praise every time they do a leg vault correctly.
      • Start with easy steps. If your dog is struggling, start by teaching them to jump over a low object. Then, gradually increase the height of the object.
      • Be creative. There are many different ways to teach your dog to do a leg vault. Find a method that works best for you and your dog.

      Conclusion

      Teaching your dog to do a leg vault is a fun and rewarding experience. With patience and consistency, most dogs can learn this trick. So get started today and teach your dog a new skill!

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Q: What if my dog is afraid of jumping?
        A: Start by teaching your dog to jump over a very low object, such as a stick or a small hurdle. Gradually increase the height of the object as your dog gets better at jumping.
      • Q: What if my dog gets hurt while jumping?
        A: Stop immediately and check your dog for injuries. If your dog is injured, take them to the vet.
      • Q: What if my dog doesn't seem to understand the cue word "vault"?
        A: Try using a different cue word, such as "over" or "jump." You can also try using a hand signal, such as pointing to the object you want your dog to jump over.