Training to settle on a mat

[Daftaboutthecat]

Hi my 8 week old puppy has just started clicker training and so far is doing well. I would like to train him to settle on a mat in preparation for him starting his puppy classes in a few weeks. Can anyone advise how to go about this ie do I train him to lie down first then progress to the mat?

[TrionicLettuce]

There's an ebook about training exactly that currently available free on Amazon and iBooks.

It's called "Calm Down!: Step-by-Step to a Calm, Relaxed and Brilliant Family Dog" by Beverley Courtney. I got it the other day to see what it was like and it's pretty good.

She doesn't use a clicker but there's no reason at all you couldn't just follow the steps using one if you prefer.

[GinIsIn]

Just to say, DON'T do this if you are into yoga. We did, big mistake. Every time we get a yoga mat out, the dog is on it like a shot, waiting for her treat...

[hillyhilly]

My puppy training class explained that it was best to train them to settle not on a mat but anywhere you happen to be so that you don't have to take the mat everywhere with you.
The training to settle was simply to tie the dog to your chair while you do something, and completely ignore it - I had to tie it on a short lead else dog jumped up on me but he got it really quickly and just lay down. It is really hard to completely ignore him though, even when he's doing it you can't resist a peek!

[Rubberduckies]

Look at Zac George and Training Positive on YouTube, both have good videos for settle.

Zac George clicks and treats for any calm relaxed behaviour that is offered.

Training Positive shapes going onto a mat by throwing a treat on it and clicking and treating when pup goes to it. When they're running to mat you can shape a sit and then a lie down.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

He needs to be able to lie down on command first so that is what I would start with. Going to a pre placed mat away from the owner and lying down is not simple dog training I did it advanced puppy classes so block 3 of 6 classes. Concentrate on sit, stand, down and recall right now.

[Daftaboutthecat]

Thank you everyone and in particular trionic I downloaded the Beverley Courtney books. They are truly amazing I'm really astounded and what we have achieved in a few days. My pup is running to sit on the mat as soon as he sees it. We are getting the occasional down already and most importantly pup is enjoying it. The lets go book is also excellent for training to walk on the lead.
Beverley has also replied to any queries I've had her books really should be mandatory reading very simple to follow 😀

[MrsJayy]

Ha yoga dog 😅. I sat in front of mat (blanket) said here then treated and so on here is a great word really gets his attention