Train Your Dog Two Beats Ahead

Dog training is rhythm and timing. If we give the command two beats before the physical action is desired, then the dog has two beats to get the command in its head and out its body. Similar to a map app giving a heads up when to make the next turn. As handlers, it keeps us accountable for always being the leader that’s a few thoughts ahead of the dog we are leading which creates an intrinsic flow for both the handler and dog. It also holds the dog within the next command given if multiple tasks are being asked of the dog.

So if I want the dog to sit the moment we stop walking. I’d give the command Sitz two beats before I stop to allow the dog to have two beats to get it in his head and out it’s body, so by the time I stopped, the dog has time to stop it’s velocity and sit. For me this is part of the foundation of true self-control for your dog.