Backing and Pivoting
Instructor: Pamela Leland KPA CTP, CPDT-KSA
Course Description: In this course you will work on two distinct behaviors: backing and pivoting. The two are related in that you are teaching the dog to move their back legs in a manner that contributes to more advanced movements. Your dog should be clicker savvy (marker savvy), have good focus, and a willingness to learn.
Goal: After the successful completion of this course, students should be able to apply these training skills to other interesting and challenging behaviors.
Prerequisites:
- Students should have a basic understanding of operant conditioning, shaping, luring, and reinforcement strategies.
- Students should be skilled at using a clicker or verbal marker.
- The dog should understand and trust that a reinforcer follows the click/verbal marker.
- Students should know how to create and submit videos for the homework assignments if wanting credit for CEUs.
Equipment needed:
- A set of training gates or X-pens that are long enough to be set up as a chute.
- A mat to be used as a rear foot target. (A 24” bathmat works great!)
- A sturdy pivot bowl that is approximately 4” high and wide enough for your dog’s front feet.
- A camera.
- An area where you can train off-leash.
Training gates:
If you chose to use training gates as pictured above, you can make your own. The gate panels are actually wire cubicle bookshelves held together by spirals that one would use to make a spiral notebook. Training gates are an invaluable piece of training equipment.
The panels and spirals can be found on Amazon.
- C&AHOME Wire Cube Storage, 8-Cube Organizer Metal C Grids Storage, Storage Bins Shelving, Modular Shelves
- GBC Binding Spines/Spirals/Coils, 16mm, 125 Sheet Capacity, 4:1 Pitch, Color Coil, Black, 100 Pack (9665070)
Textbook:
“Backing and Pivoting” by Pamela Leland. Available on Amazon and Dogwise.
Assumptions:
- Your dog is physically able to use their back legs in both backing and lateral movements.
- The dog is skilled at working with you in heel position.
- You have time set aside to train these behaviors.
- You are motivated to learn!
Instructional Methods:
- A PowerPoint presentation covering each behavior with supporting pictures, as well as a video of each behavior.
- Two quizzes: one for Backing and one for Pivoting.
- A final exam at the end of the course.
- This is an entirely web-based course with no face-to-face meetings.
- You will work at your own pace within the time limit permitted for this course.
Homework for CEUs:
Students will submit a total of six individual videos for the behaviors they’ve trained: three for Backing and three for Pivoting.
What I expect from you:
- Follow the steps taught for each behavior. Don’t skip steps.
- Maintain momentum in working through this course.
- Pace yourself. The dog will need breaks to rest their muscles and for latent learning.
What you can expect from me:
- Prompt reviews of the videos you submit within 24-48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays.)
- Responses to your questions, as needed.
Continuing Education Units:
CCPDT- KA (Pending)
CCPDT- KSA (Pending)
KPA –6 CEU’s
IAABC -16.5 CEUs
Course Cost –
For Credit: $200.00 USD
For Audit: $100.00 USD (Same content as the “For Credit” except there are no CEUs, certificate, nor homework videos required.)
Length of time to access this course: Access to this course will be allowed for 6 months.
You must also read and agree to the E-Training for Dogs, Inc. Standard Terms and Conditions prior to taking a course: Click HERE to read these. You will be asked when you register if you have read them and will not be allowed to take the course if you do not agree to the terms.
Please read our policy on refunds. Click HERE