Step beyond the finished heel? - Page 1

Fozzie posted a really nice video of his 10 month old female.  It gave me a nice comparison on what I am missing in some of the obedience.  The link to his post/video is below.  I have some questions.
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/forum.read?mnr=702242-10-month-old-gsd-female-ipo-obedience-and-protection

1.  In the "come" command, he has the pup coming into a box.  What is the purpose of the box (other than correct positioning of the sit)?
2.  In the heel position, he has the (pardon if I do not describe this correctly) pup moving with him and staying in the heel sit position.  How do I teach that?  YouTube video is ok, but, do to my internet, I have to be selective on which ones I watch.  If I did not explain this correctly, what I am talking about is at the 1:29 time position.
3.  With the same box, he has the pup jumping out of it (to a ball).  What is the purpose of this (foundation for going over the wall in the agility portion?)?

Thank you again Fozzie for the great video.

1.  I'm pretty sure your "other than" IS the reason.  The dog knows how to do the positions in the box, so the box helps the dog find the correct position.  It sets the dog up for success because s/he can't get it wrong.

Well...from what you said about the ob I thought...What the hell...But after watching it I think that it's working for them and to me...Whatever works and isn't harmful to the dog/puppy...then it's fine...I think it's a good idea and it doesn't seem to affect the dog...

I think it's a good idea for them...Not for me...But that's ok...

~Bob~

Thanks.
(VKGSD, I have taught Cirberus that "bang" thing you taught yours.  It is so funny to watch.  Thanks for posting how you did it.)

The box teaches the dog to use it's rear instead of it's front when going into the down. You can have the dog sit in heel position to the front of the box give a down command and the dog will have to use it's rear to down instead of throwing it's front legs forward. Going to the ball is probably a release to the reward. I didn't watch the video I will do so later.

Thanks.  Why is it better for a dog to go down using its rear and not the front legs?    

Hmmmm.  So how would I unteach going down with the front legs?  If I start using the box at 10 months ill it totally confuse the pup?

think of it as a different position and use a different word.  make sense?  Instead of thinking I have to fix this....

Darcy

The box helps with the dog sit/stand/down in the correct position.  It might confuse your dog for a little while, but it's no different for learning any other new thing.

I assume you are referring the dog sitting whenever the handler stops.  That's the correct position for the dog in a heal whenever the handler stops.  Take one step and stop. A soft pop on the dogs bum to sit.  Move up to 3 steps and then five steps.  Whenever you stop, the dog has to go into a sit.  Be sure to put the dog in the correct position.  Clicker training cn come in handy with this.

I think keeping the dog in the box and letting it jump over the box to the toy is just a release.