In this video training tip, I am showing how I shape the chin rest. I do this prior to teaching the dumbbell hold. I like to shape it so my dog can offer behaviours and when they are right, I will mark it, I find by doing this the behaviour becomes very strong as the dog figures it was his idea all along!

I teach the chin rest as once the dog is taking the dumbbell it is a tool I can use that helps them to hold it.

I also show the process of chin rest and asking for position changes and getting your dog to move forward while doing the chin rest. This helps tremendously when it comes time to have your dog take his first steps forward while holding onto the dumbbell.

Teach the chin rest as if you were teaching a trick, have fun with it!

Janice Gunn