Part 2: Recipe for Success

Now that we've explored the rationale behind teaching a "leave it" cue and established a clear goal behavior, it's time to begin training.

In this section, you'll learn the first five steps of the DogNostics 10-Step Training Plan. Using a combination of clear explanations, practical guidance, and extensive video demonstrations, you'll discover how to build a happy, willing, and reliable response through a series of carefully structured training games.

By the End of This Section, You Will:

• Learn the first five steps of the DogNostics 10-Step Training Plan.
• Understand how each training step contributes to building a fluent response to the cue.
• Learn how to apply the Train-Test-Train method throughout the training process.
• Develop the skills needed to adjust criteria to support success.
• Explore alternative training games that can be used to strengthen and proof the behavior.
• Gain confidence in progressing through the training plan at a pace that suits the individual dog.

Working Through the Training Plan

You can watch the entire section in one sitting or work through the individual lessons at your own pace.

Because each training step builds upon the previous one, we strongly recommend progressing through the lessons in the order presented. This sequential approach helps create a solid foundation and increases the likelihood of developing a reliable, enthusiastic response to the cue.

Remember that every dog learns at their own pace. Progress through the training plan according to your dog's needs, prioritizing success, confidence, and enjoyment at every stage.

Lessons Included

Introduction to Part Two

Training Step 1 – Present Food in a Container

• The Train-Test-Train Method
• Present Food in Hand
  • Training Game Demonstration 1
  • Training Game Demonstration 2
  • Training Game Demonstration 3

Training Step 2 – Present Food at Nose Height

Training Step 3 – Increase Duration

Training Step 4 – Present Food on the Floor

Training Step 5 – Present Food on a Mat

• Suggested Progression of Criteria
• Enthusiastic Greeters