How to teach your dog to bolt from a standing start

People who do agility, terrier races or other dog speed sports know that it's important to teach your dog to bolt and go fast from a standing start. You need two things: a dog who will wait for your command (or a leash) and reason for your dog to get all geeked up and ready to bolt.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Buckle collar or harness
• <br>Leash
• <br>Treats
• <br>Toys
• <br>A helper

1. If your dog has a solid stay and will not break until you give your command, you don't need a helper. You just need something for your dog to be excited enough to run after. This could be you, a wide open park, a favorite toy you throw at the moment of bolting or another dog to chase. For agility dogs, their reason for taking off fast would be the course ahead. Stand your dog and give her the STAY or WAIT command. Then get her geeked up about her reason she is about to "break." Use an excited tone of voice and let the tension build--ask her if she's ready, ready, ready, then give your break or GO command. Let her go, run with her if she needs some prodding and be very excited.

2. Unless a dog has had a lot of practice with staying under distraction, you may need a helper. Use only a flat buckle collar or harness to hold her back. Hold your dog back while playing the "ready, ready, ready" game. Make sure she is focused on what she really wants to chase. This could be any of the aforementioned, or it could be your helper waving a tantalizing toy or treat. If you are using a helper, have your helper start running away right before you let her go with an enthusiastic GO.

3. It makes it simple for your dog if you have a completely novel command for this game. It may be BREAK, GO, GET IT or whichever you choose, but make it apply to this game only. If you use the same release command for different situations, applying it to another situation could give her the idea she can go nuts on any release word, which you probably don't want.

4. Some dogs may not have a high prey drive, or may be clingy or too unsure to leave your side. If your dog does this, give her permission to GO by running with her. You can even use a bicycle or skateboard to get her more excited about bolting from a standing start.

5. If you have a very food motivated dog, you can use a visible treat as a lure. Putting a treat on a paper plate or coffee can lid makes it easy for your dog to target. Practice putting it in different places so she is leaving you at varied angles. You could even put it behind her so she has to whirl around on your command and run to it.

Tips & Warnings

• Only do this in a safe area. If you think your dog might take off or start chasing something inappropriate, keep it to a fenced yard or other secured place.
• If your dog has a tendency to nip or get too rough when chasing somebody, use a thrown toy instead. You do not want to encourage nipping or overly rough play.