Training box: a versatile tool for your training
Training aids are designed to make our training sessions more efficient and straightforward, and our training box is no exception. Essentially, it's a small enclosure that precisely defines the space where the dog should be or perform an exercise. However, the key is that we don't physically touch the dog, which could distract them from focusing.
The box is perfect for training before exams when the dog already knows the exercises, but you need to fine-tune any inaccuracies, such as in recall, heeling, or perfecting sit, down, and stand positions. You can also use it when training a puppy who is just getting acquainted with training.
How to Start?
First, the dog needs to get familiar with the box. Set it up, preferably larger at first, so the dog has plenty of room. Call the dog and wait for them to examine and sniff the box. Then, toss a treat inside. As soon as the dog enters the box, even slightly, reward them immediately. Gradually increase the requirements for a reward, such as requiring both front paws to be inside, until the dog is entirely in the box. If your dog doesn't respond, guide them inside with a treat and reward them. Nerdee Up is universal to fit any dog. At first, do not build the box with enough margin so that the fur has enough space to get acquainted. You can even work with an angle in the corners.
Don't underestimate the basics
The simplest approach is to position the box so the dog enters the open side and faces you. If the dog can enter the box straight without crossing or touching the sides, reward them generously. You can mark the correct behavior with a clicker if you're used to it. Do the same if they can self-correct to stand straight. By fixing this behavior from the start, subsequent training will be much easier.
Let's train recall for exams
If simply having the dog come to you is sufficient for recall training, you may not need a box. However, when training for exams, we have higher expectations: the dog should come to us and sit directly in front. Sometimes, dogs sit crookedly or lean on one leg. Not only would this ruin an exam, but it can also lead to uneven wear on the dog's joints. Using the training box, you can reduce the space for the dog to sit crookedly. The training process is as follows: have an assistant hold the dog or distract them with a treat. Place the box in front of you with the solid side near your feet and call the dog. The dog already knows the recall command and, having familiarized themselves with the box, knows to enter it straight. Since there's no room to sit crookedly or do anything else, they'll fix their position more easily.
Perfect Sit, Down, and Stand? No problem!
These three commands are among the most basic we teach puppies. Once again, dogs often sit crookedly, sprawl when lying down, or wiggle and shift position. The training box again limits the dog's space for these inaccuracies. Call the dog into the box and guide them with a treat to the position. Once they seem to understand, add the command for each position. The dog can fix their position on the front or rear paws; the Nerdee box includes a demarcation rod that creates "a fourth wall". To take this training to the next level, try giving commands from a distance while the dog is in the box.
Heeling
Heeling is more challenging for dogs because they don't face us but sit beside our leg and look at us. Using the box will be helpful not just for trials but also when starting this command. Since the dog is already familiar with the box, they know how to enter it, so the first part is practically done. Position the box beside your leg to define the desired spot for the dog. Then, guide the dog to the spot with a treat, reward them, and repeat. Once they're doing it correctly, add the command and repeat until the position is fixed.
For Advanced Users: Remote training
One of the more advanced trial disciplines is sending the dog from a distance. If the dog doesn't know where to position themselves, training will be difficult. Place the Nerdee box at a suitable distance and position your dog beside you. Point towards the box and give the send command. If they've mastered the box, the dog will immediately enter and stand straight. You can then add a down command.
You can also combine the training box with our targets, like Hamtal Up or Strivee, which are perfect partners for the Nerdee.
