Boundary Step 3
Week 3
Automatic Down on the Boundary
In Step 3 of the Boundary game, we begin teaching puppies that when they go to their boundary mat, the goal is to automatically lie down and relax.
Instead of telling your puppy to “down” every time they get on the mat, we want them to learn that lying down is part of the behavior itself.
Over time, your puppy will begin choosing to lie down on the mat on their own.
Quick Notes
When your puppy is on the boundary, reward them in the down position.
Avoid saying the word “down.”
We want lying down to become automatic when they reach the boundary.
If needed, you can gently lure your puppy into the down position at first.
Place the treat between your puppy’s front paws on the mat.
This helps keep your puppy focused on the mat instead of your hands.
The goal is calm behavior on the boundary, not excitement.
Demonstration
Teacher Demonstration with puppy in class
In this demonstration, Laura works with Penny to encourage an automatic down on the boundary mat. At first, she helps Penny by guiding her into a down position and rewarding her there. After a few repetitions, Laura begins waiting to see if Penny will choose to lie down on her own. When Penny does, she calmly rewards her several times to reinforce that this is the correct behavior.
Class Experience
Practice at home!
Practice sending your puppy to their boundary mat and rewarding them only when they lie down.
At first you may need to guide them into the position, but gradually give them a moment to think and choose the down position on their own.
Keep sessions short, since this exercise requires more concentration than some of the earlier training games.
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More Discussion
Additional tips and content
When rewarding on the boundary, drop the treat directly on the mat between the front paws rather than handing it from above.
As your puppy improves, begin fading the lure by using smaller hand movements or no food in your hand.
Give your puppy a moment to think through the behavior instead of immediately helping them.
If your puppy struggles to lie down automatically, you can gradually reduce your help:
First lure fully into the down
Then lure only partially
Then wait for them to offer the behavior on their own
When your puppy chooses to lie down independently, reward generously but calmly to encourage relaxation.
Because this exercise requires focus, keep practice sessions short (1–2 minutes) rather than longer training sessions.