Building Duration on the Placeboard

At this stage, we are beginning to build duration into your dog’s sit on the placeboard.

Start by simply asking your dog to remain in the sit for a few extra seconds. Use your whole hand as a clear visual cue to reinforce the behaviour, then slowly move one leg back.

If your dog remains in position, click at the point where you are furthest away, then return to your dog and reward.

Gradually build this up over a number of sessions. Start with one step away, then increase the distance as your dog becomes more confident. Remember that you are building two important elements — distance and duration — so increase these slowly and separately.

If your dog breaks the sit at any stage, simply go back to the point where they were successful and rebuild from there. There is no need to rush. A confident and reliable stay is created through lots of successful repetitions.

A very important rule when using placeboards:

Never call your dog out of the stay on a placeboard. Always go back to your dog.

This teaches your dog that the placeboard is a position to remain in until you return and release them. It helps build clarity, self-control and reliability.

Take your time, reward the correct behaviour and remember that small steps create strong foundations.