- Go In/Under: A Service Dog Must-Have
Service dogs must learn to tuck their bodies into whatever space is available–spaces often designed for your feet or handbag–under chairs, tables, displays, and desks. Your dog should remain invisible and unobtrusive while you shop, eat, or work.
Always look for a spot where your dog can be neatly tucked away.
Dogs who 'go in' won't be easily stepped on or distracted by members of the public, and are safely out of their reach while you are distracted.
You'll begin by practicing luring them under by using a sweeping arm and perhaps treats in both hands so that your can lure them in with one arm and pass them to your other hand that reaches around the leg and to the back. It can also be helpful to have a partner encourage your dog from the other side.
Once they are comfortable going in, you can start adding the cue.
1: Cue 'go in' by standing next to the table and making a slight sweeping motion toward the floor.
2: Wait 2 seconds (this is the hard part)
3: Crouch down and lure them under. They should end up in a 'down' position, but we won't also cue 'down,' we will simply lure them down. Try to get your dog to turn toward you as they lie down, so their head peeps out and their tail is tucked safely underneath the object.
4: Say 'yes' and reward your dog from your hand. Once your dog is happily going in on cue, you can begin increasing your distance from the table and your dog's duration spent in position.
Now go forth, and go in!