Dog Tricks: Crawl

This command is a versatile one. Not only can it be used in a variety of sketches, but it is a necessary term for agility candidates. Judges will expect them to crawl through a tunnel on the owner's command. This movement is frequently incorporated into commercials, and TV. The Crawl command also happens to be good exercise as it builds up the dog's limbs, and strengthens the spine. Who thought one little word could have so many positive aspects?

Before starting the lesson, Ursula will need to reliably respond to the Down command.

The Basics:

1. Ask Ursula to assume the Down position. Kneel down in front of her. Holding a treat a few inches away from her face, place your other hand slightly above the dog's shoulder. Keep it in the air, and only use it to reinforce the down position if she attempts to get up. Encourage Ursula to go forward towards the treat. Give the command "Crawl".

2. If Ursula attempts to rise, push on her shoulder to keep her down, and then release the pressure. Don't hold your hand on her shoulders, otherwise she will assume this is part of the cue.

3. Once Ursula is crawling towards the goodie, kneel down in front of her a few inches away, and ask her to "Crawl" towards you. Practice until this becomes habit. Feel free to increase the distance, and later on give the command from a standing position.

Tips:

-There is a variation to this. You can bend a leg near the dog to form an arch, and ask your dog to "Crawl" under the bridge while pulling the treat through.

-If you choose to use a hand signal, make sure to use it while giving the verbal command. Once Ursula starts responding in a consistent manner, slowly eliminate the verbal cue until she only responds to the hand gesture.

-Some dogs will keep their forelegs down, but their rump will arch up into the air. To teach the dog to do the "Crawl" in a low crouch, ask her to go through low obstacles which will force her to lower the hindquarters.

-This exercise will work new muscles, and Ursula may grow tired. Ask her to crawl for a short distance at first. Make sure to increase the distance at a gradual pace so that her muscles have a chance to adapt to the new 'workout'.