Pet Talk Training Course #1 - SIT

[elizabethann]

Good question. What you don't want to do is repeat the word "sit." In training dogs, you say the command once - in a nice tone - and that's it. If the dog doesn't obey, you have to make them sit. How? Well, this is where we get into problems trying to teach something over the internet. What you need to do is a maneuver that is so difficult to explain in writing, that I can't. I could only show you in person. It's a great maneuver that doesn't involve pressing on the back hips. If you do this move incorrectly, I could see you harming your dog. That is why I am not even going to attempt to describe it on the internet.

This is precisely why I strongly encourage everyone to join an obedience class. The trainer can help you in so many ways that a book, video or the internet cannot. I mean, here we are, talking about the easiest thing to teach a dog, and already it's become impossible to completely help.

I feel a little frustrated. I think it would be best if you asked a trainer in-person. They would be able to help.

Fenway has been to obedience school. But I thought it would be fun to do a refresher course/beginner's course on PT so our dogs can perfect their skills. I'm all for obedience school. I was just trying to do something fun.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Fenway has been to obedience school. But I thought it would be fun to do a refresher course/beginner's course on PT so our dogs can perfect their skills. I'm all for obedience school. I was just trying to do something fun.

And you succeeded - I enjoyed reading all the methods used.

My two sit 99% of the time and I find to keep this up they don't always get a treat, sometimes its verbal praise instead

[borzoimom]

Well Borzois do not sit- ..
How I taught sit to my shepherds- is I never pushed the rear. Shepherd pups have loose joints in their hips, and you can cause problems.
Its hard to explain in typing what I do automaticially, but basically I call the puppy towards me- walking backwards. As the puppy comes in, I then take a step into the puppy, with my right hand over their head ( mimic I have a treat)- say "sit" in a calm but firm voice with gentleness ( the voice they later learn- I am talking to you..), and step in slightly- the puppy sits as looking at my hand..
Later I reduce my hand and straighten my body posture. I have found within a matter of a few times- not only does this teach to come to me and sit in front of me ( reducing jumping up on you etc) but its a " happy sit" verses the 'image" of being forced..
When I use to enter the house, all the dogs would come running to me, check their step and sit in front of me- it was actually rather funny- as I had ranks sitting in front of me as I tried to come into the house. ..

[agilityk9trainer]

Fenway has been to obedience school. But I thought it would be fun to do a refresher course/beginner's course on PT so our dogs can perfect their skills. I'm all for obedience school. I was just trying to do something fun.

Oh, I'm sorry. I did not mean to rain on your parade. It was a good idea, and you should continue. It's just frustrating for a person who teaches to be limited to the interent when there's so much more I could help with if I had full access. That's all. I was jjust venting. Keep up the topic!

[Taz_Zoee]

Oh, I'm sorry. I did not mean to rain on your parade. It was a good idea, and you should continue. It's just frustrating for a person who teaches to be limited to the interent when there's so much more I could help with if I had full access. That's all. I was jjust venting. Keep up the topic!

I am just wondering if you have a video camera? You could be our teacher! Although you would not get paid, huh? Ok, maybe not. LOL
Your tips are helpful, please don't get frustrated. Take a deep breath and just describe as best as you can. I understood what you were saying, at least I think I did.

With Zoee we use the fist as the signal (with the food in it to start). However, we did have to apply slight pressure to her rear because the going over her head way wouldn't work for her. She would just back up. And that only took a few times, nothing that would have hurt her hips. But now she will sit when told or by just the signal.
I am pretty luck, since my boyfriend is an excellent trainer. So I let him train her and me. hee hee

[agilityk9trainer]

I am just wondering if you have a video camera? You could be our teacher! Although you would not get paid, huh? Ok, maybe not. LOL
Your tips are helpful, please don't get frustrated. Take a deep breath and just describe as best as you can. I understood what you were saying, at least I think I did.

With Zoee we use the fist as the signal (with the food in it to start). However, we did have to apply slight pressure to her rear because the going over her head way wouldn't work for her. She would just back up. And that only took a few times, nothing that would have hurt her hips. But now she will sit when told or by just the signal.
I am pretty luck, since my boyfriend is an excellent trainer. So I let him train her and me. hee hee

Thank you. If I were better at this technical stuff, the video would be a great idea. As it is, I'm very luck just to be able to figure out hot to type in a post!

What hand signal you use really doesn't matter, as long as you are consistant with it. A fist is great. And, if you only press slightly a few times, you won't be doing any damage.

[Kfamr]

So, how is everyone doing with sit?

[K9soul]

I haven't read through every reply so I'm not sure if this has been mentioned, but I taught Raven sit by simply letting her figure it out on her own. I used a clicker. I would stand in front of her with a treat and she'd look up at me and I'd just stand there and wait. If she started jumping up to try to get the treat I'd just ignore her/turn away. As soon as I saw her start to sit her butt down I'd say "sit" and when when her rear touched the floor I'd click and treat. She picked it up in about 5 minutes, almost immediately really.

Raven just started her puppy class but the class setting for me serves two huge purposes: Socialization with other people and dogs, and working on her commands with distractions, strangers, other dogs, etc. surrounding her. I wish I had enrolled Tasha in puppy classes. I would say anyone who has a pup that shows any signs of shyness or skittishness or timidity that it's CRUCIAL if you want to try and help them overcome that while they are little.

Most of her actual commands are taught at home before she ever reaches class anyway .

[Husky_mom]

I have been reading..........and I have to say Ninja knows how to sit, she learned as a puppy.......I used the treat over head method along with the hand signal, very similar as Kay´s just intead of leaving the index finger standing I use that one and the thumb........like as saying Ok but keeping the other three close together......

now I just say sit or do the hand signal and she sits.......



but China, oh China........she has no cure I believe she undertands "sit" as "run in circle" LOL.........I´ll have to try the other methods mentioned, because whenever I try she just runs and runs........not even with a treat she sits... ........

so I´ll work with her more till I find a working way into her hard headed husky mind...LOL

[elizabethann]

So far, Fenway is good with sit. Especially if I have turkey or chicken in my hand. I took him to the beach on Saturday and he wouldn't sit. Only then did I realize he was standing in a pool of water and he probably didn't want to get his little butt wet. But when he moved to the sand, he sat like a good boy. I'm so mad because I forgot to bring my camera.

[Kfamr]

Fenway has been to obedience school. But I thought it would be fun to do a refresher course/beginner's course on PT so our dogs can perfect their skills. I'm all for obedience school. I was just trying to do something fun.

Don't worry, this is a lot of fun! Don't let anyone make you think otherwise. If they don't find it fun, they do not have to read.

Not everyone has the money for obedience school and not every dog needs it, so this is a wonderful way for those of us who train our dogs by ourselves to learn!

[animal_rescue]

Don't worry, this is a lot of fun! Don't let anyone make you think otherwise. If they don't find it fun, they do not have to read.

Not everyone has the money for obedience school and not every dog needs it, so this is a wonderful way for those of us who train our dogs by ourselves to learn!

Agreed. This is great and I love it!! I love reading the different methods and the help online from other, friendly people.