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Back Chaining the 'Spin Back' Freestyle Move
Back chaining is teaching the dog the last behavior of a series first, then the second last, then the third last, etc.
This allows the dog to train towards a behavior she knows well and makes it easier for her.
Step 1 Dog is Comfortable Between Your Legs
Practice this until it is a comfortable position for your dog.
It is the final position your dog will be aiming for at the end of the chain.
Step 2 Dog Steps Backs Up With You When You Take a Step
This step helps the dog be comfortable while you move-
and introduces the backward movement that will the the second-to-last step your dog does.
We train on rubber-backed mats as they prevent slipping on the smooth floor.
They may also help guide the dog to move straight backward.
Add a hand or verbal cue when the dog is consistently offering the behavior.
Increase backing distance incrementally.
Work on Backing Speed Separately (if needed)
Step 3 Start Standing a Half Step Back and Cue 'Back'
Stand a little further back from the dog's starting position each time.
With practice, the dog's aim with her back end will improve.
Step 4 Add the Half Spin
Start with your legs quite wide so the dog has a larger target.
Accept leg bumps at first as long as the dog goes between your legs.
You may need to 'help' your dog by leaning your legs until she learns to aim her back end.
Fade the verbal 'spin' prompt soon (if you use it) and replace with a different verbal cue that means do only a half circle. I use 'Turn'.
Very precise aim!
Side view.
Step 5 Add Steps Backward After the Dog Has Finished the Turn
Then move with the dog as soon as she gets into position between your legs.
Step 6 Increase the Distance Between the Dog and You
Progress in small increments, ensuring your dog has at least a 50% success rate.
Keep Adding Distance, doing shorter ones periodically so the task isn't always getting harder for your dog.
We removed the carpet and reviewed Steps 1 & 2.
Step 7 Start in a New Location and Retrain from the Beginning
I place the treat behind her so she is rewarded in the position I want her at the end of the chain.
I help her by exaggerating my hand cues at first,
then start to fade them as she is successful.
Blooper
Your Challenge: *Choose another behavior that has several parts to it
*list each part of the behavior that you can train separately
*then try training it backwards to see how back chaining works for you and your dog!