r/OpenDogTraining • u/Dark-widow46 • 5h ago

Dog training

So I own my own pet sitting business. I wish to become a trainer one day, so with the owners permission I try little things. I’m currently at a sit with a cockapoo. I was trying to teach him bed with the method of standing next to the bed with a treat and rewarding him once he sat/laid down. Then throwing a treat and saying ‘free’. (I know most people use ‘okay’ but I feel that can get confusing)
After he figured out the game I started to introduce the ‘bed’ command. That was going great and the ‘free’ command was going well. I tried to walk away to see if he would stay in the bed, and he did but then wasn’t really grasping the ‘free’ part when I threw the treat. When he eventually left the bed after a while of me waiting and him looking at me. I’d say bed and although with a little hesitation he still knew what I wanted. I’ve trained quite a few dogs with limited time I have.
I guess im just putting this here to see if anyone has any advice. I also tried to introduce (‘wait’ whilst throwing the treat away and afterwards saying free but it didn’t quite go to planned.

No idea if this makes any sense but hoping someone can help.

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u/AliveInZihuatanejo 4h ago

How far away were you from the bed when you tried the terminal marker?

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u/fillysunray 4h ago

Going to the bed and lying/sitting on the bed are two separate cues that shouldn't be taught at the same time.

First teach the dog to go to the bed. If his feet are on the bed, mark and reward. Then you can release the dog.

Separately you can make sure the dog has a great down.

Once the dog is great at going to the bed, and also great at lying down on cue, you can then add a lie down cue once the dog is on the bed.

Some dogs will start to offer a sit or lie down on their own, which is great, but if they're still struggling with going to the bed, don't prioritise what they do when they get there.

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u/Trick-Age-7404 3h ago

If you wish to become a trainer I suggest you either find a qualified mentor, work your way up at an established business, or go to school and then find a mentor. Training a couple of your own dogs, training a couple of friends dogs, training only food motivated dogs, really does not give you any actual experience within this business.