10/29/2026
Benny and owner have been taking emergency downs a step further. In the last lesson we talked about proofing under different contexts and different pictures.
In this first setup, Benny has been allowed to run out the last several days to the container filled with cheese or treats. Now he’s being allowed to run out the open door, and practicing down with owner still inside.
The other setup after the “spring pole” is a down mid chase after the ball!
When I arrived today I parked out of sight, made myself look suspicious at the door, faced away from it after ringing the doorbell, and Benny ran into the entry way and crated himself automatically, until his owner answered the door and released him.
This a product of a dedicated owner’s practice and ongoing work to expose holes in training and keep pushing the envelope for better, cleaner and more reliable responses.
Way to go Benny and Handler team!
