Exercise 3-3: Restraint
Standing restraint for 5 seconds with a slight lift.
With dog standing, handler approaches from one side and wraps her arms around the dog. One arm goes around the front of the chest and the other around the hips. The handler gently restrains in this manner for 5 seconds. Then the handler gently lifts the dog until all 4 feet are off the ground/surface. The dog is immediately placed back down and released.
For larger dogs adjustments may be made. Arm placement may be changed to lift the front feet, then the back feet.
Exercise 3-3: Restraint
Standing restraint for 5 seconds with a slight lift.
With dog standing, handler approaches from one side and wraps her arms around the dog. One arm goes around the front of the chest and the other around the hips. The handler gently restrains in this manner for 5 seconds. Then the handler gently lifts the dog until all 4 feet are off the ground/surface. The dog is immediately placed back down and released.
For larger dogs adjustments may be made. Arm placement may be changed to lift the front feet, then the back feet.
Purpose: There are likely going to be situations in which a dog MUST be physically restrained and lifted from a standing position in order to be groomed, examined, and/or treated. One way to help the dog cope well is by providing positive practice for the possibility of such an event. Our goal is to make restraint and lifting a common part of handling which leads to positive outcomes for the dog.
Equipment: Treats. Surface that is large enough for your dog to comfortably lie on his side. Can be on the floor, a rug or slightly elevated bed, or an elevated grooming table. Any elevated surface used should be safe and stable.
Exercise set-up: The dog will begin this exercise in a standing position and the handler will be facing the dog from the side. The handler may choose a position (floor, kneeling, sitting, or standing) that is most comfortable based on the size of the dog and the elevation of the dog.
For small and medium sized dogs, restrain for a count of 5, then lift until all 4 feet are off the floor, and gently place back down.
For larger dogs restain for a count of 5, and then gently lift the front feet off the ground, and immediately place back down; then gently lift the back feet off the ground, and immediately place back down.
Scoring: In order to pass this exercise the dog must calmly allow the handler to restrain and lift him without excessive struggle. He should maintain stillness for the required duration without repeated attempts to move.
Non-qualifiers: The dog consistently struggles to get away during the exercise. The handler does not maintain a steady but light hold for the duration of the exercise. The handler must use constant verbal cues to get the dog to remain still. The handler does not clearly lift the dog’s feet briefly off the ground.
Tips: We want to teach our dogs that being restrained and lifted from a standing position is just a normal part of their daily lives. Our goal is to make it a common and comfortable event. Restraint happens regularly and is typically followed by treats, so it’s no big deal. Start with very light restraint and short duration.
Video example: