The next step is to begin adding a small amount of distance while your puppy stays on the mat. Start by taking one step away, then return and place a piece of food on the mat for your puppy. Gradually increase this to one or two steps, moving in different directions, as long as your puppy remains in position and doesn’t follow you. Each time you return, reward them on the mat to reinforce staying put. The goal is for your puppy to begin relaxing on the mat while you move around, learning that calm, settled behaviour is what earns the reward.
