Under command

Beginner — basic task Psychiatric Service Dog Mobility Assistance Dog Guide Dog Hearing Alert Dog Medical Alert Dog Autism Assistance Dog Allergy Detection Dog Multi-Task Service Dog Service Dog In Training

About this task

Dog goes under a table, chair, or other furniture and remains there quietly.

How it helps: Allows the dog to be unobtrusive in public settings like restaurants, offices, and waiting rooms.

Required foundation skills

Down on cue. Stay.

Training steps

  1. Lure dog into a down near (not under) a chair
  2. Gradually move reward under the chair until dog lies under it
  3. Add the cue "under"
  4. Increase duration in the under position
  5. Practice with handler seated in the chair
  6. Practice with strangers seated in the chair
  7. Practice under tables
  8. Generalize to different furniture

Proofing criteria

Once your dog reliably performs this task at home, proof it in these environments and situations:

  1. Under a chair at home for 5 minutes
  2. Under a table at home while handler eats
  3. Under a table in a restaurant
  4. Under a seat on public transit
  5. Under a desk in an office or classroom
  6. Under for 30 minutes while handler is occupied
  7. Remains calm and quiet in under position
  8. Does not solicit attention from strangers from under position

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