Safety Reminder:
Only practice Cave when it is safe for both you and your dog. Consult your veterinarian or rehabilitation therapist before starting new exercises.
IMPORTANT:
Never force your dog into this position or hold them in the cave position against their will. This is a cooperative exercise requiring the ability to leave at any time. Make the area more inviting and reinforcing before increasing duration and expectations.
Written by:
Dr. Emily Hall DVM, CCRT, CPAT-KA
What Is Cave?
Cave is a fun cooperative-care game that teaches your dog to move behind you and then be protected, between your legs. This exercise helps your dog focus on you in busy or unfamiliar environments and can double as a “safe spot” whenever they need reassurance.
How to Teach Cave
Lure Behind You
Hold a treat in one hand and guide your dog behind you so they pass under your body.
Mark and Reward
As soon as your dog is standing or sitting between your knees, give your conditioned marker and then the treat.
Build Duration
Continue feeding treats one after another as long as your dog remains in place. Gradually increase how long they stay.
Fade the Lure
Remove the treat from your guiding hand and use a hand target or other clear hand signal to invite your dog into the Cave position.
Add the Cue Word
Once your dog offers the behavior reliably, say “Cave” just before your hand signal. Over repeated practice the verbal cue alone will prompt the behavior.
Generalize the Behavior
Practice in different rooms, your yard and public spaces. With consistent reinforcement your dog will run into the Cave position from a distance, no matter where you are.
Applications in Cooperative Care
- WimbaSCAN Practice
Positioning your dog in Cave is ideal for WimbaSCAN limb or standing joint measurements. The enclosed stance encourages stillness and prevents sudden movements, making measurement acquisition faster and reducing stress. - Donning Checks (depending on parent flexibility/stability)
Have your dog hold Cave while you perform quick orthosis or prosthesis fit checks. The stable position between your legs gives you clear access to adjust straps and assess comfort without the dog pulling away. - Safe-Spot Breaks
Between rehab exercises or during clinic visits invite your dog into Cave for quick regrouping. This builds their confidence in handling and equipment procedures!
By teaching Cave and integrating it into each stage of your dog’s cooperative-care routine, you transform a simple trick into a powerful tool for safe, stress-free rehabilitation and medical support.
