Teach impulse control first. Use the cookie and the toy to create a strong stay. the years for good reasons. The better, faster, more theme of modern day is going to thrive in any sport. We do need our dogs to be able to understand more complex cues if we are intent on competing successfully at higher levels. The trick to teaching the dogs complex things is to make every aspect simple. That is what experienced trainers do. It might feel to you like I'm digressing here, and I guess I am a bit, but it is almost impossible not to. There are so October 17 | Clean Run Jigs springs with enthusiasm when released to the cookie in my hand. I want Jigs leaving the ground to get the cookie; this creates the excitement I want. many aspects to having a dog understand what you want from him. To keep the release cue simple I recommend the following: * Establish Criteria: I want my dogs to spring into action when released, so I have to teach it that way. Soon after I teach any stationary position (sit, stand, down) to a pup, I teach impulse control (stay). That way I can hold a cookie up in front of him to release him to. He has to jump up to get it when he is released. Don't hold the cookie directly overhead, you want him to be comfortable and jump in a nice forward arc to get it. I release to toys the same way; I want the dog leaving the ground to get it. (Don't have him jump so high that you have to worry about injury.) The dogs love it. 23http://caninelighttherapy.com