OVERVIEW
What Duration Means:
The dog holds a position (down, sit, place, stand) until released, even as time passes, you move around, or distractions occur.
Why Duration Matters:
- Impulse control foundation: Holding a position despite wanting to move = self-control
- Real-world utility: Settling in public, waiting at doors, staying while you cook dinner
- Building block for advanced work: Distance work, out-of-sight stays, place training under distractions
- Emotional regulation: Duration work is inherently calming
What Skills It Builds:
- Patience and frustration tolerance
- Ability to hold arousal/excitement in check
- Handler focus over extended periods
- Confidence (dog learns “I can do hard things”)
THE THREE DIMENSIONS OF DURATION
Duration isn’t just “how long can she hold it.” There are three variables:
| Dimension | What It Means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Time | How long she holds the position | 2 seconds → 2 minutes → 10 minutes |
| Distance | How far away you are | Right next to her → 10 feet away → out of sight |
| Distraction | What’s happening around her | Quiet room → you moving around → other dogs present |
The Rule: Only increase ONE dimension at a time.
Bad: Ask for 30-second down while you walk 10 feet away in a busy park (time + distance + distraction all at once)
Good: Ask for 30-second down while you stand right next to her in a quiet room (just time)
PREREQUISITE: BEHAVIOR MUST BE SOLID FIRST
Before adding duration, the behavior itself must be:
- ✅ Reliable (she does it 9/10 times on first cue)
- ✅ Fast (responds within 2-3 seconds)
- ✅ On verbal cue (not dependent on lures/hand signals)
If the behavior isn’t solid yet, don’t add duration. Finish teaching the behavior first, then come back to this protocol.
THE DURATION PROGRESSION: 4 PHASES
| Phase | Focus | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Time only (2-10 seconds) | Week 1 |
| 2 | Time extended (10-30 seconds) | Week 2 |
| 3 | Time + mild distractions (30-60 seconds) | Week 3 |
| 4 | Time + distance OR distractions (60+ seconds) | Week 4+ |
PHASE 1: TIME ONLY (2-10 SECONDS) - WEEK 1
Goal:
Dog holds position for 2-10 seconds while you stand still right next to them.
Setup:
- Quiet location (apartment, courtyard)
- No distractions
- You’re standing/sitting right next to her
- 10-15 reps per session, 2 sessions per day
Training Protocol:
| Step | You Do | She Does | You Mark/Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cue the behavior (“down”, “place”, “sit”) | She does the behavior | - |
| 2 | WAIT 2 seconds (count: one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two) | She holds position | ”GOOD” (calm marker) |
| 3 | Feed treat in position (between paws for down, on the bed for place) | She stays in position | - |
| 4 | WAIT 2 more seconds | She holds | ”GOOD” |
| 5 | Feed another treat | She stays | - |
| 6 | Release (“break”) | She gets up | - |
Total duration: 4 seconds (2 sec + treat + 2 sec + treat + release)
Progression Through Week 1:
| Day | Duration Goal | Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 2-4 seconds | Wait 2 sec → treat → wait 2 sec → treat → release |
| 3-4 | 4-6 seconds | Wait 2 sec → treat → wait 2 sec → treat → wait 2 sec → treat → release |
| 5-6 | 6-10 seconds | Wait 3 sec → treat → wait 3 sec → treat → wait 3 sec → treat → release |
| 7 | Test 10 seconds | Wait full 10 seconds, treat at 3, 6, 9 seconds, release at 10 |
Key Points:
Use “GOOD” not “YES”:
- “YES” is an excited marker that makes her want to pop up and come to you
- “GOOD” is a calm marker that means “keep doing what you’re doing, more is coming”
- Reserve “YES” for when you’re RELEASING her from the position
Feed Treats IN POSITION:
- For down: Between her front paws (not above her head - that makes her sit up)
- For place: Drop treat onto the bed where she’s lying
- For sit: At her nose level while she’s sitting
- Goal: She learns “staying here = treats keep coming”
Start Small:
- 2 seconds feels ridiculously short, but it’s building the foundation
- If you start with 10 seconds right away, she’ll break position and learn that’s okay
- Build gradually so she succeeds at every step
If She Breaks Position:
- Don’t reward
- Reset and try again with SHORTER duration (make it easier)
- Only increase duration when she’s succeeding 8/10 times at current level
Success Metric:
By end of Week 1, she holds position for 10 seconds with 2-3 treat deliveries, 8 out of 10 times.
PHASE 2: EXTENDED TIME (10-30 SECONDS) - WEEK 2
Goal:
Dog holds position for 10-30 seconds. You’re still right next to her, no distractions.
Setup:
- Same as Phase 1 (quiet location, you’re close)
- 10-15 reps per session, 2 sessions per day
Training Protocol:
| Step | You Do | She Does | You Mark/Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cue behavior | She does it | - |
| 2 | WAIT 5 seconds | She holds | ”GOOD” at 3 seconds (verbal only, no treat yet) |
| 3 | Feed treat in position | She stays | - |
| 4 | WAIT 5 more seconds | She holds | ”GOOD” at 3 seconds |
| 5 | Feed treat | She stays | - |
| 6 | WAIT 5 more seconds | She holds | ”GOOD” |
| 7 | Feed treat | She stays | - |
| 8 | Release (“break”) | She gets up | - |
Total duration: ~15 seconds
Progression Through Week 2:
| Day | Duration Goal | How Many Treats |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 10-15 seconds | 2-3 treats |
| 3-4 | 15-20 seconds | 3-4 treats |
| 5-6 | 20-25 seconds | 3-4 treats |
| 7 | 25-30 seconds | 4-5 treats |
Key Points:
Reduce Treat Frequency:
- Week 1: Treat every 2-3 seconds
- Week 2: Treat every 5-7 seconds
- She’s learning to hold longer between rewards
Use Verbal “GOOD” Between Treats:
- Say “good” calmly every few seconds even when you’re not giving a treat
- This keeps her engaged and reassures her she’s doing the right thing
- Helps bridge the gap between treats
Variable Duration:
- Don’t always go to the max duration
- Mix it up: sometimes release at 10 seconds, sometimes 20, sometimes 30
- This prevents her from anticipating the release at a specific time
If She Gets Wiggly:
- She’s not ready for that duration yet
- Go back to shorter durations for another day
- Make sure you’re feeding enough treats to keep her motivated
Success Metric:
By end of Week 2, she holds position for 30 seconds with 4-5 treat deliveries, 8 out of 10 times.
PHASE 3: TIME + MILD DISTRACTIONS (30-60 SECONDS) - WEEK 3
Goal:
Dog holds position for 30-60 seconds while mild distractions occur. You’re still close to her.
Setup:
- Same quiet location
- Now you add mild movement/distractions
- 10-15 reps per session, 2 sessions per day
Mild Distractions to Add:
| Day | Distraction | What You Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Your movement | Shift weight, scratch your head, look around |
| 3-4 | Small steps | Take 1-2 steps side to side (not away) |
| 5-6 | Hand movements | Wave your arms, clap softly, gesture |
| 7 | Combination | Move, gesture, shift - multiple mild distractions |
Training Protocol:
| Step | You Do | She Does | You Mark/Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cue behavior | She does it | - |
| 2 | WAIT 5 seconds, then add distraction (shift weight, take small step) | She holds despite distraction | ”GOOD” + treat immediately |
| 3 | WAIT 5 seconds, neutral | She holds | ”GOOD” |
| 4 | Add distraction (wave arm) | She holds | ”GOOD” + treat |
| 5 | WAIT 5 seconds | She holds | ”GOOD” |
| 6 | Add distraction | She holds | ”GOOD” + treat |
| 7 | Release (“break”) | She gets up | - |
Total duration: 30+ seconds with 3-4 distractions
Key Points:
Reward DURING/AFTER Distractions:
- If she holds position while you move = immediate treat
- This teaches “when distractions happen, holding position = big reward”
Keep Distractions Mild:
- Week 3 is NOT the time for big movements, loud noises, or other dogs
- You’re just adding small things: your movement, gestures, shifting
- Goal: She learns to hold position even when things aren’t perfectly still
If She Breaks During Distraction:
- The distraction was too hard
- Go back to easier distractions (just shifting weight)
- Build up more gradually
Start Reducing Treat Frequency:
- Week 1-2: Treat every 5-7 seconds
- Week 3: Treat every 7-10 seconds (but always after a distraction)
Success Metric:
By end of Week 3, she holds position for 45-60 seconds with 3-4 mild distractions, 8 out of 10 times.
PHASE 4: TIME + DISTANCE OR DISTRACTIONS (60+ SECONDS) - WEEK 4+
Goal:
Dog holds position for 60+ seconds while you add either distance OR bigger distractions (not both at once).
Setup:
- Same location or slightly more distracting
- You’re adding ONE of: distance OR distractions (not both)
- 10-15 reps per session, 2 sessions per day
Two Paths: Choose One Per Session
Path A: Adding Distance
| Step | You Do | She Does | You Mark/Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cue behavior | She does it | - |
| 2 | Take 1 step back | She holds | ”GOOD” |
| 3 | WAIT 5 seconds | She holds | Toss treat to her (or step forward and give it) |
| 4 | Take 1 step back again | She holds | ”GOOD” |
| 5 | WAIT 5 seconds | She holds | Toss treat |
| 6 | Step back to her | She holds | Treat |
| 7 | Release | She gets up | - |
Progression:
- Week 4: 1-2 steps away
- Week 5: 3-5 steps away
- Week 6: 10 steps away
- Week 7+: Around a corner, out of sight
Path B: Adding Bigger Distractions
| Distraction Level | Examples | When to Introduce |
|---|---|---|
| Mild (Week 3) | You shift weight, small gestures | Already done |
| Moderate (Week 4) | You walk around her, clap hands, drop object | Now |
| High (Week 5+) | Another person walks by, doorbell rings, toy on ground nearby | After moderate is solid |
| Very High (Week 6+) | Another dog present, food on ground, kids playing nearby | After high is solid |
Training Protocol for Distractions:
| Step | You Do | She Does | You Mark/Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cue behavior | She does it | - |
| 2 | Introduce distraction (moderate level - walk around her) | She holds | ”GOOD” + treat immediately |
| 3 | Remove distraction, wait 5 seconds | She holds | ”GOOD” |
| 4 | Introduce distraction again (drop object) | She holds | ”GOOD” + treat |
| 5 | Wait 5 seconds | She holds | ”GOOD” |
| 6 | Release | She gets up | - |
Key Points:
Distance vs. Distractions - Pick ONE:
- Don’t add distance AND distractions in the same session
- Master one, then add the other
- Once both are solid separately, you can combine them
Always Return to Reward:
- If you’re working on distance, step back to her to give treats
- OR toss treats to her (but this can encourage her to break position to get them)
- Eventually she learns “you’ll come back” which builds confidence
Jackpot for Hard Stuff:
- When she holds through a BIG distraction = 3-4 treats in a row
- When she holds while you’re far away or out of sight = jackpot
- Big challenges = big rewards
If She Breaks:
- Make it easier: less distance, easier distraction, shorter duration
- Only progress when she’s succeeding 8/10 times at current level
Success Metric:
By end of Week 4, she holds position for 60+ seconds with you 5+ steps away OR with moderate distractions present, 8 out of 10 times.
PHASE 5: COMBINING EVERYTHING (WEEK 8+)
Once she’s solid on:
- ✅ Time (60+ seconds)
- ✅ Distance (10+ steps away or out of sight)
- ✅ Distractions (moderate to high level)
You can start combining them.
Example Combined Challenge:
| Step | You Do | She Does | You Mark/Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cue “down” | She downs | - |
| 2 | Walk 5 steps away | She holds | ”GOOD” |
| 3 | Another person walks past (distraction) | She holds | ”GOOD” |
| 4 | Wait 10 seconds | She holds | Walk back, give treat |
| 5 | Walk away again, this time 10 steps | She holds | ”GOOD” from distance |
| 6 | Wait 20 seconds | She holds | Walk back, jackpot (3-4 treats) |
| 7 | Release | She gets up | - |
Total: 60+ second down with distance + distraction combined.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem: She Breaks Position Constantly
Solutions:
- You’re progressing too fast - go back to shorter durations
- Reduce treat frequency (feed MORE often)
- Make sure you’re using “GOOD” not “YES”
- Check that you’re feeding treats IN position, not making her move to get them
- Make sure the behavior itself is solid before adding duration
Problem: She’s Anxious/Stressed During Duration Work
Signs of stress:
- Yawning, lip licking, whale eye
- Panting excessively
- Trying to leave position repeatedly
- Whining or barking
Solutions:
- Shorten duration significantly (back to 5-10 seconds)
- Increase treat frequency (feed every 3 seconds)
- Remove all distractions
- Practice in a place she’s very comfortable
- Build confidence with easier exercises first
Problem: She Anticipates the Release
What it looks like:
- She pops up at exactly 20 seconds every time (because that’s when you always release her)
- She starts shifting/preparing to get up before you release
Solutions:
- Variable duration: sometimes 10 sec, sometimes 30 sec, sometimes 45 sec
- Don’t always go to max duration
- Occasionally ask for very short durations (5 sec) mixed with long ones
- Release is random, unpredictable - she has to wait for your cue
Problem: She’ll Hold It For You But Not For Others
Solutions:
- Have other people practice with her (with you nearby at first)
- Other person cues behavior, you stand close and support
- Gradually fade your presence
- She needs to learn “duration applies to everyone, not just dad”
INTEGRATION INTO BEHAVIORS
For Down:
- After verbal cue is solid (Down Phase 5 complete)
- Start with 2 seconds (Duration Phase 1)
- Progress through 4 weeks of duration work
- Result: Solid down-stay for 60+ seconds
For Place:
- After she reliably gets on the place bed (Place game is learned)
- Start with 2 seconds (Duration Phase 1)
- Progress through duration work
- Result: She stays on place bed for extended periods
For Sit:
- After sit is on verbal cue
- Start with 2 seconds (Duration Phase 1)
- Sits typically need less duration work than downs (sit is harder to hold physically)
- Result: Solid sit-stay for 30-60 seconds
DAILY PRACTICE INTEGRATION
Where to Practice Duration Daily:
| Context | Behavior | Duration Goal | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal prep | Place or down | 30-60 seconds | While you prepare her food |
| Door manners | Sit or down | 10-20 seconds | Before going outside |
| Crate exit | Sit | 5-10 seconds | Before releasing from crate |
| Settle time | Down or place | 2-5 minutes | Evening neutral time |
| Training sessions | Whatever you’re working on | Current phase duration | Bonus session |
WEEKLY PROGRESSION TRACKING
Week 1 (Phase 1):
- Day 1-2: Holds 2-4 seconds, 8/10 times
- Day 3-4: Holds 4-6 seconds, 8/10 times
- Day 5-7: Holds 6-10 seconds, 8/10 times
Week 2 (Phase 2):
- Day 1-2: Holds 10-15 seconds, 8/10 times
- Day 3-4: Holds 15-20 seconds, 8/10 times
- Day 5-7: Holds 25-30 seconds, 8/10 times
Week 3 (Phase 3):
- Day 1-2: Holds 30 sec with mild distractions (your movement), 8/10 times
- Day 3-4: Holds 45 sec with mild distractions (small steps), 8/10 times
- Day 5-7: Holds 60 sec with multiple mild distractions, 8/10 times
Week 4+ (Phase 4):
- Week 4: Holds 60 sec with you 3-5 steps away OR moderate distractions, 8/10 times
- Week 5: Holds 60 sec with you 10 steps away OR high distractions, 8/10 times
- Week 6+: Combines distance + distractions
SUCCESS METRICS: DURATION IS SOLID WHEN:
✅ She holds position for 60+ seconds without fidgeting
✅ She holds while you walk around, move, gesture
✅ She holds while you’re 10+ steps away or out of sight
✅ She holds through moderate distractions (people walking by, objects dropping)
✅ She doesn’t anticipate the release - waits for your “break” cue
✅ She’s calm and relaxed during duration work (not stressed)
FINAL NOTES
Timeline: 4-8 weeks is typical for solid duration work across all three dimensions (time, distance, distractions).
Most Important Rule: Only increase ONE dimension at a time. Don’t add distance AND distractions AND time all at once.
Common Mistake: Progressing too fast. If she’s breaking position more than 2/10 times, you’re moving too quickly.
Celebrate Progress: Going from 2 seconds to 60 seconds is HUGE. Don’t wait for “perfect” to feel good about progress.
This Applies to Everything: Once you understand duration progression, you can apply it to ANY behavior - down, place, sit, stand, heel position, etc.
LET’S BUILD THAT DURATION! 🐾
Next up: I’ll update the Down protocol to explicitly reference duration work, then we’ll build the full integrated timeline.