How to teach a dog the "close" command according to Antoine Nadjarian? - briefly
To teach your dog the "close" command following Antoine Nadjarian's method, start by holding a treat close to your body and saying "close." Once your dog moves towards you, reward them with the treat. Repeat this process in short sessions throughout the day until your dog associates the word with the action of coming closer to you.
How to teach a dog the "close" command according to Antoine Nadjarian? - in detail
To effectively teach a dog the "close" command using Antoine Nadjarian's method, follow these detailed steps:
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Initial Preparation: Begin by ensuring your dog is comfortable with basic obedience commands such as "sit," "stay," and "come." Familiarity with these foundational commands will make learning the "close" command easier for your dog.
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Understanding the Command: The "close" command instructs the dog to approach you or another person closely, typically used in scenarios where you need the dog to be near you for safety or control purposes. Antoine Nadjarian emphasizes the importance of consistency and clarity in issuing commands.
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Set Up a Training Environment: Choose a quiet and distraction-free area for your initial training sessions. This will help your dog focus on learning the new command without being overwhelmed by external stimuli.
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Introduction to the Command: Start by saying "close" in a calm but assertive tone. Use a treat to lure your dog towards you, keeping it close to their nose and gradually moving it closer to your body until they are standing right next to you. As soon as your dog makes contact with your leg or side, praise them enthusiastically and give the treat.
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Repetition and Reinforcement: Repeat the command and reward sequence multiple times a day for several days. This repetition helps reinforce the association between the verbal command and the desired action. Consistency is key; always use the same tone and wording when giving the command.
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Gradual Removal of Lure: Once your dog shows understanding of the "close" command, start to phase out the treat lure. Say the command and hold your hand in a closed fist near your side, encouraging your dog to come close without offering a visible treat. Praise and reward with a treat from your pocket when they comply.
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Generalization: Gradually introduce distractions and varying environments to help your dog generalize the "close" command. Practice in different rooms of your house, then move to your backyard, and eventually public places like parks. Always return to a distraction-free environment if you notice your dog struggling with the new challenges.
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Consistency Across Handlers: Ensure that all family members or regular handlers use the same command and reward system. Consistency across handlers will prevent confusion and strengthen your dog's understanding of the "close" command.
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Patience and Persistence: Training a new command requires patience and persistent effort. Some dogs may learn the "close" command quickly, while others might take several weeks. Stay committed to the training process, and celebrate even small steps of progress.
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Final Touch: Antoine Nadjarian advises that once your dog has mastered the "close" command in various environments, you can start incorporating it into more complex behavior sequences or use it as part of a chain of commands to enhance overall obedience and control.
By following these detailed steps, you will successfully teach your dog the "close" command according to Antoine Nadjarian's method, fostering a stronger bond and improved communication with your canine companion.