teach your puppy to enjoy collar handling
Nothing is more frustrating than reaching for your puppy only to have him back away just out of your reach. The Gotcha Game helps your puppy be comfortable and enjoy being gently restrained by the collar. In this video, watch as KPA faculty member Debbie Martin demonstrates the game.
How to Build Comfort with Collar Touches:
- Slowly reach out toward your puppy. Click with the extension of your arm. Release your hand from the collar and offer a treat.
- Slowly reach for and touch your puppy’s collar. Click while touching the collar. Remove your hand and give a treat.
- When you know your puppy is unlikely to shy away with being reached for or touched, add the verbal cue “Collar.”
- Gradually increase the length of time you hold the collar before clicking.
For more information about how to help puppies get started on the right paw, check out KPA's Puppy Start Right for Instructors course.
Happy Training!
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