Notice some key features: Cheri's tail is flat (kind of hard to see, but you don't see it curled up under her bum because she's nervous or uncomfortable). Cheri's eyes are relaxed. Cheri isn't struggling. Becca is leaning against something. Becca is smiling. Becca and Cheri are having a good time together.
Here's the multi-million dollar tip: Rome was not built in a day.
Okay, so that saying is kind of cliche and overused. How about 'Cheri has been gradually introduced to cradling since the day we got her,' or better yet 'Teaching your dog to cradle comfortably takes time and effort.'
How do you introduce cradling? This, like any other training, will often vary depending on the dog. However, here is a step by step process starting from scratch. Do each of these steps 3 plus times a day for several days before moving to the next step. Your dog may be comfortable starting further down this list. What really matters, however, is that you take it nice and slow and focus on helping your dog be comfortable with the end result.
1. Sit on the floor and hug your dog, give him or her a treat and lots a praise while doing it. Make it fun and exciting. Lots of dogs are not used to your body being close to them and may feel it's an invasion of their personal bubble.
2. Sit on the floor (with a back rest for you!) and have your dog lay next to you and repeat step 1.
3. Once your dog stays in a down while you are hugging him or her, start petting your dog for a few minutes then give them their release word to get up.
4. Repeat step 3-make sure your dog doesn't get up unless they get their release. Use a leash, use treats, make it fun, but be in control.
5. Spread your legs into a V and have them do a down between them for just a few seconds.
6. Once your dog completes this, encourage your dog to stay there and give him or her lots of pets, treats, and attention.
7. Encourage your dog to relax onto his or her side while doing step 6.
8. Roll your dog onto it's back, or help him or her get to that position. This is not an alpha roll and should never be used as one! This is bonding, not reprimanding. Do this for less than one minute, give lots of attention during, and release at the end.
9. Increase your time by one minute every few days until you are doing it at least 10 minutes/session.
10. Don't let your dog decide when it's over. Be calm, confident, in charge. Make it special one on one time with your dog. Be selfish about it, write it in your planner, schedule a time to indulge with your best friend.
11. Massage their toes, their teeth, their tummy, play with their tail.
12. If they're uncomfortable with any of these, go back to the previous step and repeat. Remember to create an environment of success.
Why cradle?
Grooming-nails, ears, teeth-I do all of these while my dog is in a cradle.
Health-I can make sure my dog doesn't have rashes, ticks, cuts, lumps, sore hips, etc.
Stretching-this is a great time to stretch those muscles that work so hard during agility.
Stress relief-for you and your dog. Do it in the morning as a meditation, do it in the evening as a reflection, do it before agility to focus and regroup. Find what works best for you, but do it often.
Bonding-do I really need to explain this?
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| Nail clipping is Cheri's least favorite activity, but in the cradle, it is so much easier and quicker for both of us. |
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