Level Two Training Skill Set

Mandatory Behaviors

May 2008 Level Two Graduates:

Barb with Meg (Black Labrador);
Instructor Dorothy with Thunder (Bernese Mountain Dog);
Jane with Shadow (Miniature Schnauzer);
Scott with Cierra (Siberian Husky);
Deborah with Nacho (Golden Retriever)

The following behaviors require mandatory mastery in order to pass the level two training portion.

Come
The dog comes from 40' away with no more than two cues (voice, body language, or hand signal). Your dog may be left on a "Stay" or held by someone else. The dog must come close enough to catch without moving. A "Front" is not necessary.
Crate
The dog enters crate with no more than two cues (vocal, body language, or hand signals), remains in crate while handler closes/opens door, no vocalizing or pawing.
Distance
The dog goes around a pole from a distance of 2' with no more than two cues.
Down
The dog "Downs" from "Sit" on one cue only. The handler may use the dog's name to get his attention before a voice cue.
Down Stay
The dog "Downs" and stays while partner walks 20' away and back. Partner may give extra cues while away. An official "Return" is not required.
Go to Mat
The dog goes to, gets on a mat, dog bed, hammock, or pause table from 5' away, 2 cues only - two voice cues, or a voice cue and body language, etc.
Handling
The dog allows the handler to handle his ears, tail, and feet. This may be done on a table or on the floor. There must be minimal struggling.
Homework
The handler describes, in writing, the four "legs" of operant conditioning, and the definition of "reinforcement" and "punishment".
Leash Manners
The handler stands in one spot while the dog keeps the leash loose for one minute with one distraction. Handler may use cues but may NOT cue the dog to Watch or to Heel, or to Sit, Down, or Stand or Stay. The intent of the exercise is that the dog's default behavior for one minute is to keep the leash loose. The dog is not required to watch the handler.
Sit
The dog "Sits" from "Stand" on one cue only. The handler may use the dog's name to get his attention before a voice cue.
Sit Stay
The dog "Sits" and stays while partner walks 20' away and back. Partner may give extra cues while away. An official "Return" is not required.
Stand
The dog Stands from a Sit or Down with no more than two cues - two voice cues, or a voice cue and body language, or body language and a hand signal, or voice cue and hand signal, etc.
Stand Stay
The dog remains standing without moving his feet for 10 seconds. Partner may or may not leave the dog's side. This may exercise may be done beside the dog or in front of the dog.
Target
The dog touches the marked END of a touch stick with his nose with only one voice cue. Naturally, presentation of the stick is a second cue.
Trick
The dog performs a trick of the partner's choice. It may be very simple.
Watch
The dog finds partner's face and holds eye contact for 10 seconds with no more than two voice cues. No body language or touching other than looking at the dog.
Zen
The dog stays off a treat in the handler's hand for 5 seconds and off a treat on couch or chair for 10 seconds. No more than two cues for each behavior, handler cannot guard the treat to keep it safe. Intent is to present the treat at nose level.

Once your team has successfully completed Level Two, you are ready to move on to Level Three.