Training Tips - Rear end awareness (free shaping)

Missed the live session? Here's the replay 👇

This one's a fun game you can start playing with your pup today. All you need is an upturned bucket and a handful of treats.

On the surface it's a simple trick: front paws up on the bucket.

But underneath, you're building three things at once: rear-end awareness (most dogs genuinely don't know where their back legs are!), confidence with their own body and new objects, and real engagement with you. Your dog learns to think, offer behaviours, and work with you instead of just following a treat around.

And here's the bonus: once your dog can steer their own back end, this little bucket game becomes the foundation for a beautiful heel. You get a dog that knows how to line themselves up beside you instead of being dragged into position.

In the replay I walk you through:

Getting those front paws up (and making the bucket the best game in the house)
The first pivot steps, and the "money moment" to watch for
How the game grows into heel position over time

It's only a few minutes a day, it works indoors on a rainy arvo, and dogs absolutely love it.

Your challenge this week:

2–3 three-minute sessions a day for the next 7 days.

Film your progress and chuck it up here in the community, day 1 wobbles and all! Cheer each other on, share what's working, help each other troubleshoot. Let's see how far these pups come in a week 🐾🪣

Can't wait to see your videos! 🎉

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Training Tips - Rear end awareness (free shaping)