Teaching the Guard of Object in Ring Sport - A New Approach
The Guard of Object is one of the most challenging exercises in Ring Sport. The dog must work completely independently, while the handler is out of sight, against a decoy actively trying to confuse, provoke, or trick them into costly mistakes.
For decades, the way this skill is taught has remained virtually unchanged, often relying on high arousal and confusion as “necessary” parts of the process.
This video introduces a radically different approach.
You’ll learn how to guide the dog through this complex exercise with greater clarity, less confusion, and reduced arousal, without losing intensity or drive.
By making the goal easier for the dog to understand, you’ll build true independence and reliability without guesswork.
You’ll see exactly how to:
• Understand how the dog thinks during the exercise
• Clarify the objective in a way that’s easier for the dog to grasp
• Reduce arousal and confusion without sacrificing intensity
• Build rock-solid independence and precision
Even if you don’t compete in Ring Sport, the problem-solving strategies in this video could apply to any advanced behavior.
You’ll discover how to raise criteria intelligently, communicate goals clearly, and approach training puzzles with the creativity and insight needed for success.