Introduction to Box Training

Step 1

Vicky and I returned from the Texas Cocker trial yesterday, so this sunny California evening seems as good a time as any to catalog Brea’s progress.  For the past couple of weeks I have introduced Brea to box training. I just use a simple bird crate but any container that elevates the dog will do. The logic is by removing Brea from her comfort zone on “terra firma” we create a distinctive zone that she has to step off.

Step 2

I use the words “step up” for Brea to get on the crate, for no other reason that is what we use to encourage our incorrigible cockatoo “Inca” to step on a finger.  Initially when Brea steps up onto the crate I give her a treat. There are a couple of don’ts.   Don’t incorporate treats with retrieving.  This is a really bad idea when the dog drops a retrieve looking for a tidbit. The other is don’t call the dog off of the crate.  Always walk back and touch the dog before releasing him/her. I find all breeds, but particularly cockers, will take any opportunity to creep or anticipate being called to jump off the box.  I take away this pre-emptive act by never encouraging it.   I just simple walk back to Brea every time while she sits on the box before releasing her.

Step 3

I now begin the process of backing away, exactly as I've done many times before while she was on the ground. I continue to back up as long as Brea remains on the crate. If she looks like she is going to jump off the crate, I immediately move forward. Each day I increase the length of time Brea is to remain on the crate and the distance that I walk away from her.

Step 4

I've increased my distance from Brea. If this were in her initial training phase, this might be the distance I would put between us on the 3rd or 4th time of this drill.

Step 5

As these photos show, this is next step is an integral addition inasmuch as she must sit and stay on her own for an increasingly longer time period each day. I now begin walking back to her.

Step 6

In her initial days of training this drill, walk back up to Brea and reward her. First I touch her head and often I will use a treat, but, after I see Brea progress, I will eleminate step6 and step 7 and the treat, going directly to step 8 and dropping a tennis ball (which will then be her reward).

Step 7

Be sure to reward her.

Step 8

I have again stepped back from Brea and now I've dropped a tennis ball in her full view. Until now, I have very gently restrained Brea before allowing her to retrieve so I guard that she won't leave the box to get the retrieve. If she did, I would intercept her and put her back on the box. .

Step 9

I begin to walk back towards Brea and you can see that she is keen to have the retrieve. I am careful to reinfoce with my hand and whistle that she is not to leave the box.

Step 10

Step 11

Now that I am completely back to Brea, I make sure I have touched her softly on her head and said "Good". Now I will give her a hand signal with the word "Back" and allow her to retrieve.

Step 12

Sending for the retrieve.

Step 13

Step 14

I tap the box to let her know I want her to come directly back.

Step 15

Step 16

I am careful not to take the ball too quickly. I encourage her to sit. I do not give her a treat when she is retrieving because that might cause a dog to drop the retrieve for the treat.

Step 17

When I take the ball, I am sure to congratulate her for a job well done!