Project: Training Yahtzee

Claude.ai link

Training Program for Poppy and Yahtzee

Core Focus Areas

1. Impulse control (jumping and play biting)
2. Duration sits (staying until released)
3. First-time compliance (responding immediately to commands)

Recommended Release Word

"Okay" or "Free" are the most popular and effective release words. I'd recommend "Free" since "okay" gets used conversationally and might accidentally release your dogs. Be consistent and use the same word every time.

Training Schedule

Daily Routine (15-20 minutes total, split into sessions)

Morning Session (5-7 minutes)

• 5 sits with gradually increasing duration (start at 3 seconds, work up to 30+ seconds)
• Practice "free" release word
• Reward calm behavior, ignore jumping

Midday Session (5-7 minutes)

• Impulse control exercises at doorways
• Sit-stays before going outside, eating, or getting attention
• Practice redirection from play biting to toys

Evening Session (5-7 minutes)

• More duration sits in distracting environments
• "Four on the floor" reinforcement (reward when all paws are on ground)
• End with a fun trick or game they already know

Weekly Goals

Week 1-2: Foundation

• Consistent response to "sit" on first command
• 10-second sit-stay with release word
• No jumping for attention (100% consistency from you)

Week 3-4: Building Duration

• 30-second sit-stays in low-distraction areas
• Sit-stay before going through doorways
• Redirect play biting within 2 seconds

Week 5-6: Adding Distractions

• Sit-stays while you move around
• Greeting visitors without jumping
• Calm behavior during exciting moments

Week 7-8: Generalization

• Practice in different locations (yard, walks, friend's house)
• Sit-stays with people approaching
• Reliable off-leash recalls in safe areas

Key Training Principles

For Jumping:

• Never give attention when paws are off the ground (turn away, cross arms, no eye contact)
• Immediately reward "four on the floor" with attention and treats
• Ask visitors to follow the same rules—consistency is critical
• Give Yahtzee a job: ask for a sit BEFORE he has a chance to jump

For Play Biting:

• Immediately redirect to a toy when mouthy behavior starts
• Use "yelp" or "ouch" in high-pitched voice, then withdraw attention for 30 seconds
• Keep training sessions calm to prevent over-excitement
• Exercise before training (tired dogs learn better)

For Sit-Stays:

• Start with very short durations and gradually increase
• Don't repeat "sit"—wait for compliance, then reward
• Use high-value treats initially (small pieces of chicken, cheese)
• Always release with your word—never let them self-release

Helpful Websites

1. Karen Pryor Clicker Training - https://www.clickertraining.com

   • Excellent science-based training methods
   • Great articles on impulse control

2. AKC Training Resources - https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/

   • Comprehensive guides for basic obedience
   • Breed-specific tips for poodles

3. Whole Dog Journal - https://www.whole-dog-journal.com

   • In-depth training articles
   • Positive reinforcement focus

4. Cooperative Paws - https://www.cooperativepaws.com

   • Excellent impulse control exercises
   • Duration behavior protocols

5. Kikopup Blog/Website - https://dogmantics.com

   • Force-free training methods
   • Detailed training plans

Recommended YouTube Channels & Videos

Channels to Follow:

1. Kikopup (Emily Larlham)

   • Search: "Kikopup jumping" and "Kikopup impulse control"
   • Excellent positive reinforcement techniques

2. Zak George's Dog Training Revolution

   • Search: "Zak George teach stay" and "stop dog jumping"
   • Energetic, clear demonstrations

3. Training Positive

   • Search: "Training Positive stay command"
   • Great for duration behaviors

4. McCann Dog Training

   • Search: "McCann dogs release command" and "stop jumping"
   • Professional, structured approach

5. Simpawtico Dog Training

   • Search: "Simpawtico play biting" and "impulse control"
   • Excellent troubleshooting tips

Specific Video Searches:

• "How to teach a solid stay with release word"
• "Stop dog jumping greeting guests"
• "Teach impulse control dogs"
• "Play biting redirection techniques"
• "Train dogs to wait at doorways"

Pro Tips for Success

• Train each dog separately initially, then together once they understand
• Poodles are extremely smart—they'll learn quickly but also learn to game the system
• Keep sessions short and fun (they're both at great ages for training)
• Since Yahtzee is more energetic, he may need more frequent, shorter sessions
• Use life rewards: "sit-stay before I throw the ball," "sit-stay before dinner"
• Consider clicker training—poodles excel with marker-based training
• Join a positive reinforcement training class for socialization and distraction work

Your programming background will serve you well here—think of it as debugging behavior and reinforcing the correct "functions"! Consistency in your responses is like consistent code execution: it produces reliable results.

---

Tags: project, dogs

← Back home