Platform requirements:

  • Low, stable platform

  • At least as wide as the distance between the dog’s front feet

  • No higher than the dog’s hock (i.e., ankle) height

Exercise:

  • Have dog flex their elbows as if doing a push up while standing with their front feet on the platform

What to do:

  1. Lure/cue dog to stand square, with front feet on the platform and back feet on the floor

  2. Mark + treat with dog’s head in neutral position

  3. Lure/cue dog’s head forward + down, while flexing the elbows

  4. Mark + treat

  5. Lure/cue dog’s head up into neutral position

Progression options:

  • Increase duration

  • Same exercise with dog stand

  • Same exercise with back feet on platform and front feet on the floor