Boundary Games - Building Value

Over time your dog will learn to stay on a boundary until released.

Theoretically the boundary could be different things – a mat, a raised bed, a blanket, a bench, a towel, a blanket, a paper napkin…

This type of training – capturing and shaping – is great for mental stimulation as the dog has to work out the rules for themselves. This promotes optimism and increases problem solving skills.
It gives your dog a comfortable place to relax and therefore promotes calm.
If you build value in the boundary it promotes confidence as your dog will consider it a great and safe place to be.
It’s an alternative to many unwanted behaviour; jumping at guests, counter surfing.

You’ll build value for being on the boundary using food.

Feed your dog high value food whilst they’re on the boundary. Put the food onto the boundary, not straight into the dog’s mouth.
Test the value of the boundary by throwing some low value food away from the boundary.
If the dog steps back onto the boundary heavily reward by placing high value food on the boundary. If the dog doesn’t step back onto the boundary you haven’t added enough value to the boundary – go back to the first step.
Repeat.

Use higher value food for being on the boundary and lower value food for resetting – throwing the food away so that your dog gets another chance to have a go at volunteering to get on the boundary.
You’re not ready to add a verbal cue until your dog is happily popping onto the boundary.
If your dog is getting off the boundary before you want them to, consider speed at which you are delivering the food, whether the food is high value enough, or whether the training session has gone on too long.
Vary what represents the boundary.

Boundary Games – Building Value