Sometimes it’s good to being able to command your K9 into a more advantageous position, for example higher up on a hillside for better detection.
Today Rexas and I spent some time practicing the commands Up, Lay & Stay, sending him up a hillside, asking him to lay down and stay and then wait and wait longer and longer until one of two things happened; the time I set for each run came to an end or he detected something, then praise as a mad man 🙂
Settling down into position
Detecting a Horse approaching (One that wouldn’t have been seen at a lower position)
Take this slow and do the exercises a few times a week and then continuously advancing the time and difficulty, preferably with detection’s and distractions.
It’s no use if the K9 detects something and you don’t get the memo but barking or any loud noise that will notify whom ever is detected is out of the question so I’m trying to teach Rexas a low “oumpfh” sound but a low growl would work as well, this way you don’t have to look at your dog continuously.
Oh and a note: Remember that training this while you remain hidden can scare the pants of people that pass by so be careful 🙂
