Dr. Dunbar’s 28-Day Good Dog Challenge

Follow Me

Day 8 · Teach your dog to stay close, off-leash, at home.

Today’s challenge

Say “Follow me,” and walk away from your dog. How many steps in a row will your dog stay right by your side? By midnight tonight, text me your most steps in a row together. Bonus: send a video!

New this week: your daily warm-up

From now on, warm up each day with:

  • 5 Come-Sits
  • 5 Puppy Push-ups
  • One Come-Sit-Down-Sit-Stand-Down-Stand sequence

All with lots of praise, and just one piece of kibble for each sequence.

The two rules of Follow Me

The cardinal rules of teaching your dog to follow are: 1. Keep moving. 2. Away from your dog.
— Ian

If you stand still, or walk toward your dog, there’s nothing to follow. So keep moving, and always head away from your dog. They’ll soon learn that it’s their job to keep up with you.

Step by step

  1. Say “Follow me,” and walk away from your off-leash dog.
  2. Walk all around your home, inside and out. Go from room to room, around tables and couches, weave through chairs, and walk around your yard.
  3. No food or toys in your hand. Use your natural sunny demeanor and happy body language to entice your dog to follow.
  4. Praise the whole time your dog is close, and especially when they’re by your left-hand side. Very occasionally, give a piece of kibble.

Now go for a record

Count your steps while your dog stays right by your side. Start again whenever they wander off. How many steps in a row can you go together?

Keep your dog on your left

  • Pat your left leg with your left hand to encourage your dog to walk on your left.
  • Lost your dog? Always look to your left. If you turn your head to the right, your dog will likely come to your right-hand side.

Special tips

My dog lags behind.

Say “Hustle,” speed up, and act like you’re excited to be doing this.

My dog runs ahead of me.

Simply about-turn, and walk the other way. Now your dog is behind you, and has to catch up.

My dog keeps coming to my right side.

Pat your left leg, and always turn your head to the left when you look for your dog.

My dog loses interest and wanders off.

Remember the two rules: keep moving, and move away from your dog. Change direction often, be your sunniest self, and praise the moment they come close.

What’s next

  • Tomorrow, Day 9, it’s Lightning Luring, and the start of hand signals.
  • Later this week, Follow Me turns into Heel-Sits, walking nicely by your side.

Filming tips and prizes: Videos and Prizes.

Top Dog Academy

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