We have developed a series of 7 Levels to help serve as a guide while working with your dog. The exercises have been specifically designed to enhance your communication abilities with your dog in order to solidify the human canine bond. Below you will see the achievement goals for Levels 1-3. Once you can consistently achieve one levels exercises, you will receive a graduation certificate and you can begin working on the next Level. An instructor can test you at designated time to determine if you meet the criteria to graduate to the next level. Level 1 (Food can be used) (Distraction level: Low) 1) Handler must be able to get the dog to sit without having to touch the dog 2 )Handler must be able to get the dog to lie down without having to touch the dog 3 )Dog should look at the handler when the handler says the dog’s name 4) Dog should be able to leave an object alone such as food or a toy upon the handler's request (leave it cue) and stay away from it for 30 seconds (it is okay for the handler to block initially) 5) Dog should be able to perform a 15 second sit/stay 6) Dog should be able to perform a 30 second down/stay 7) Dog should return to handler when called from a distance of 20ft (on long line) Level 2 1) Handler must be able to get the dog to sit by giving one verbal command and one hand signal 2) Handler must be able to get the dog to lie down by giving one verbal command and one hand signal 3) Dog should be able to leave an object alone such as food or a toy upon the handler request (leave it cue) and stay away from it for 30 seconds. Handler can only give verbal command and cannot block dog. 4) Dog should be able to perform 30 second sit/stay 5) Dog should be able to perform 1 minute down/stay 6) Dog must return to handler when called from 30ft away (on long line) 7) Owner must be able to restrain the dog in a manner suitable to its size. This will be designated by the instructor Level 3 1) Handler must be able to get the dog to sit with either one verbal command or one hand signal 2) Handler must be able to get the dog to lie down with either one verbal command or one hand signal. 3) Dog should be able to perform a 30 second sit/stay while a distraction dog walks by at a distance of approximately 30 ft 4) Dog should be able to perform a 30 second down/stay while a distraction dog walks by at a distance of approximately 30 ft 5) Dog must be able to sit and lie down without physical contact from the handler as a distraction dog passes within 30ft 6) Dog must return to handler when called from 30ft away as a distraction dog is held or tied within 30ft of dog 7) Dog should not show aggression as a stranger approaches handler within 5ft 8) Dog must perform either a sit or a down while tethered and handler is 20 ft away 9) Owner must be able to lay dog on its side for 20 seconds without squirming or getting up |
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| Achievement Levels |