Up/Down Game

Check-ins (or your dog making eye contact with you) is an important tool if we want to maintain a connection with our dog.  Unlike teaching a cue to look at you (commonly known as a “Focus” or “Look” or “Look at Me”) we want it to be something that your dog offers voluntarily.  These check-ins not only allow your dog to keep track of where you are at but it makes it more likely they will notice your movement and move with you.  It is also an opportunity for you to give them information: a cue necessary for the walk, generalizing of a training skill, or to just let them know they are being a good dog.

Prerequisite Skills	Gear
Leash and Harness Desensitization Marker Word	Leash and/or harness* Treat Pouch with Treats Or 2 of the same Toy

*Leash and harness optional.  Use as needed for safety or as desired to practice with gear on.

This is a relatively simple game that you can play by:

1. Pick a spot where it is safe for you to stand still

   1. We want to rotate our body in that spot, as needed, to watch your dog (stay facing your dog) while they move around

2. Wait for your dog to make eye contact with you

3. Mark the instant they make eye contact and then reward by dropping a treat on the ground near your feet

• Repeat steps 1-3

  • Keep playing until your dog is choosing to stay near you and is repeatedly make eye contact (not immediately disengaging) quickly or just staring at you

• Generalize this Game

  • Build up duration.  Instead of rewarding a quick glance build up duration. 

    • From a glance to 1 sec and then 2 sec and then 3 sec

    • This game isn’t intended to help you build up extended eye contact: so, stop building duration after 3 seconds

  • Change locations.  Instead of staying in the same spot move to a new position in between reps.

    • Start by only taking 1 or 2 steps then play the game again

    • Gradually increase the number of steps in between playing

      • Increase criteria when your dog is making eye contact quickly (within a 3 sec) when you stop moving

  • Add in movement.  Teach them to check-in even while you are walking.

    • Start by walking in a small, low distraction environment. Walk in a predictable pattern like a circle.

    • Walk slowly at first.  The slower you walk the more similar it is to standing still and the more likely your dog will check in.

    • Gradually increase the pace until you are walking at a normal speed.

  • Add in difficulties.  Intentionally add in distractions into the environment.  Start with easy distraction and build to more difficult distractions.

    • Distraction examples:

      • Familiar objects (bowls, toys, garbage cans, etc.)

      • A familiar person

      • An unfamiliar person

      • New environments

      • Other animals

      • Noises like a squeaker or treat bag being opened

      • Novel object placed in known locations (a random ball or box in the driveway)

    • Start to ask for a check-in before providing access to everyday activities:

      • Going through a doorway

      • Prior to greeting a friend

      • Getting out of the car

      • Prior to crossing the road

      • Sniffing (I don’t recommend be an every time thing but on occasion but could include high value sniff spot or items that may not always be an appropriate thing to sniff

  • Take it on the road with you.  Practice both stationary and moving while out doing everyday life activities with you dog.