We started working on getting Skye to relax on her mat. Our training is inspired by the Dr. Karen Overall's protocol for relaxation. It's a great tool that can be used in a variety of situations.
To stack the odds in our favor, we are using a mat that Skye adopted from day 1. We also ask her to lay down and not sit, as she is readily offering that behavior and knows the command really well. And finally, we are doing it in the kitchen when preparing the food for the chickens as she REALLY loves getting some of the hard boiled eggs and is always under our feet at that time.
Look at how well she is doing:
(Note that the video has been accelerated to fit 6 minutes in 1 :)
Pretty amazing, isn't it?
I can move all around her without her getting up! And you will notice that she shift her rear legs to a more relaxed position quite early in the session.
Very proud of my girl! :)