Coco – PFR
Protocol For Relaxation 🛏️
The original protocol was created by Dr. Karen Overall. I have modified it to be terrier-specific, quicker to train, and more fun for everyone! If you google “Dr. Karen Overall Protocol for Relaxation” her original will come up.
Practice
- 10-20 minute practices
Items Needed
- Treats in treat pouch
- Dog bed, bath mat, folded up towel
The Game
- Set a flat dog bed in a central area.
- Stand in front of it.
- Wait for your pup (no prompting or cue) to walk onto it and sit or down.
Say “yes” and reward with a treat fed to the mouth for staying in a sit or down
on the bed. - Repeat the “yes” reward a few times without moving away.
- Then begin taking (mix it up) 1-4 steps away from the bed at different angles (not going behind your pup), and say yes at the furthest point before you head back (even if you are only 1 step away) and then walk back and slowly treat.
- If your pup hops off the bed, walk back in front of it calmly and wait until he or she goes back on it. Start the game again calmly from step #3.
- Then work up to doing random things close by that aren’t too involved, like
pulling a book out of the shelf and putting it back, or walking to a window and looking out the window, etc. Always say “yes” when you are the furthest away just before heading back to reward, and return to the dog and treat to the mouth.
Troubleshooting: If Needed – Slow Treats Protocol
When treating on the bed, move towards your pup with a treat in your hand. Your goal will be to feed them a treat with almost no movement on their part. If they move, freeze (don’t jerk away) and if necessary, slowly move the treat away. Then try again. Repeat this until you can get the treat to the dog’s mouth with no moving around or jerking for the treat.
Do this consciously anytime they act too excited about the treats. Don’t add in the taking steps back etc. until this is going well.