Pet Talk Training Course #1 - SIT

[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. ..