Lesson 6 - HOLD Command, Part 1

Lesson 6: The "HOLD", Part 1

The HOLD command is taught as a separate training exercise from the retrieve training. In time, the HOLD command will be married to the Fetch command, but not now, not yet.

Remember, the HOLD command is taught in a separate training session than your other retrieve sessions.

Days 1-3
Practice the following pattern 8 times each during 2 training periods per day. 

1. Place dog on a Sit/Stay on a small Place board and step in front of the dog. Easiest to do this on an elevated surface like a training table. You may also sit in front of your dog which I recommend.
2. Place the DB in the dog's mouth, command "Hold" & lightly cage jaws shut
3. Keep DB in mouth for several seconds while quietly praising, command "Give" and take DB. DO NOT PRAISE for the "Give", ONLY PRAISE for the "HOLD"
4. Give at least 15 seconds break between repeated "Hold" efforts.

Days 4-6: The HOLD correction begins. 

There is no way to make this easy. Easier for the dog to get 1-2 staunch HOLD corrections initially, then once the dog understands the consequences of dropping the DB, you can ease off the amount of the HOLD correction. Do it right in the beginning and it gets easier, quickly. Do this incorrectly or too softly in the beginning and you have to increase the HOLD correction which is REALLY harder on the dog.

*Remember that Sofie will NOT need that hard of a correction*

1. Place dog on a Sit/Stay on a small Place board and step in front of the dog. Easiest to do this on an elevated surface like a training table. You may also sit in front of your dog which I recommend.
2. Place the DB in the dog's mouth, command "Hold" & DO NOT cage the jaw.
3. Place your closed hand/fist (thumb inside fingers) under dog's chin. Remember to follow the dogs head. 
4. If the dog drops the DB, let it fall. Give 1 "pop" correction under the chin. Immediately put the DB back in dog's mouth, command HOLD and place fist back under chin. Repeat as necessary. 
5. Start with a couple seconds, then gradually increase the time the dog is holding the DB. Always keep your fist under their chin during this part of the HOLD practice, so you can be ready to correct at any time. 

Week 1 HOLD EXAM - Dog MUST hold DB for 90 consecutive seconds, without caging or correction. But, please correct if necessary.