The Hula-Hoop Game: Teaching “In,” “Out,” & “Leave It” Using a hula-hoop is a good way to teach the “In” and “Out” commands while your puppy has fun.
You need to familiarize her with the In and Out commands when taking her through doorways or leading her in or out of the crate. This is also a great way to involve the kids. Place the hoop securely on the ground between your legs.
If your puppy is on your left side, then lure your puppy through the hoop with the right hand holding the motivator. If your puppy is on your right side, then lure your puppy through the hoop with the left hand holding the motivator.
As your puppy goes through, give the command “In,” and then place her in a Sit position. When she passes through from the opposite side, state the command “Out,” and place her in a Sit position. Another Hula-Hoop Game: Teaching “Leave It” Another game consists of laying the hoop on the floor and placing a treat in the center.
Make sure your pup is on the leash to stop her from entering the hoop. If your puppy starts to go for the treat, say the “Leave it” command and clap your hands to startle her or step on the lead to stop her in her tracks. You are teaching her to obey a barrier, a dog-free zone so to speak. You want to create this pattern to stop your puppy from going for some object that you don’t want her to have.
Stopping her with the “Leave it” command while she is in an excited state will create a strong impression on her – she learns that she can’t go for something no matter how excited she may be. This will be important when you want her not to go for discarded food or other objects in the park during a walk. When you want your puppy to have the treat, place another treat in the palm of your hand and say “Take it.”
This teaches her that she can place something in her mouth when she hears this command. Don’t use the same treat that is on the ground, because this will be counterproductive to what you are teaching her.