I want you to picture a circus. What are some of the first images that pop into your mind? Aside from clowns and cotton candy I'm willing to bet most of you imagined animals perched on tiny platforms performing tricks. While circus animals may not be ethically treated and I wouldn't recommend treating your dogs in this manner- it turns out that there is a secret behind using platforms.
Why Use a Platform?
The idea of using a platform for training dates back hundreds of years. The simple matter of fact is that by elevating your dog to a higher space you are giving them a defined working area. This triggers their brain to acknowledge that it time to learn and they are able to focus and hold positions longer.
Another important thing to note is that when a dog is elevated on a platform they must consciously make the decision to leave the area. This is especially helpful for young puppies who may have shorter attention spans.
Where Can I Buy a Platform?
There are many commercial products on the market that can be used for platform training but Klimb and Cato are two of the most popular brands. At the time of writing this post Klimb retails at $160 while Cato standard boards retail at $80 and XL boards retail at $95.
$159.99
Click Here for: Klimb
Standard $79.99 or XL $94.99
Click Here for: Cato
Cato XL boards are great due to their price point and size. The XL boards come with a gripping material pre-installed to help make sure that your canine friend isn't sliding around while working on the board. I also like the Cato XL since they have plenty of length and width for even the largest of dogs to practice down. Those of you with smaller dogs will be able to use the standard size for down with no problems.
Klimb is amazing as well although I find the price point and size to be a bit prohibitive. For a large dog to practice down you will need 2 Klimb boards attached to each other to have enough length. You will also need to purchase the non-slip grip mats for the top of the board separately for $40. All the negatives aside, the Klimb is is taller in height which can create better focus for some dogs. They are also stackable and more easily portable for those of you who might be traveling with them to classes or events.
You really can't go wrong with either! You will just have to decide what is best for you and your dog.
What About Homemade Platforms?
While the commercial options are certainly nice they aren't the ONLY option. Anyone that has seen an agility trial or class will know that it's fairly simple to make a platform at home with wood and a bit of carpentry skills. For those of you that aren't handy with power tools there are other options as well:
furniture
tree stump
footstools
ottoman
large rocks
raised dog beds
A platform can be anything! As long as it is raised, has plenty of room for your dog, and isn't slippery there is an opportunity for training.
How to Get Started with Platform Training
The foundation of platform training starts by assigning value to being on the platform. To do this start by rewarding your dog with a treat for any movement towards the platform. At first this will be as small as turning a head towards the platform. From there it can progress to rewarding for any step towards it, putting one paw on, two paws on, and finally standing with all four paws on the platform. You want the platform to become a magnet for your dogs attention and reward expectations.
After your dog begins to get the idea that the platform is the "bingo" spot you can begin to add a cue to it. What word you use is ultimately up to you but I typically prefer the word "place". You will want to start working on this close to the platform and then slowly add distance over time. Ask them for place standing next to the platform, one step away, two steps away, so on and so forth. Something important to note is that you need to make sure you aren't walking or moving towards the mark. You want your dog to independently move to the place without relying on your movement.
Once your dog is on its place it is important to assign a release word. You want your dog to know that it isn't supposed to leave the platform until it is instructed to do so. My personal favorite word for this is "okay" but I also know a lot of people that prefer the word "free" as a release cue.
After your dog masters place and the release you can immediately use this new skill in various situations in your everyday life at home. Someone knocking on the door? Send your dog to the place to prevent them from barking like crazy at the door. Eating dinner and don't want your dog in your face? Send them to their place until you are finished eating. The usefulness of place shouldn't be underestimated.
What Else Can I Teach with a Platform?
Platforms aren't just useful for teaching a dog its place. Stay, down, stand, sit, off, heel, polite greetings, recalls, and fetch are just a few of the basics taught in my own personal group classes that benefit from the use of platform training. The possibilities are truly limitless.
Cato has a very nice series of videos on their website highlighting different platform training ideas. You can view those by clicking here.
How do you think your dog could benefit from platform training? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
Until next time-
Comments