It really depends on the dog what kind of praise works best. There are some dogs who will only want to work for food. Then there are others like Reece who prefer a pet over a treat any day. Or others like Piper who are very toy motivated and will do anything for a squeaky toy. Get to know Tiffany and find out which she prefers.

There are 3 different basic methods in which we train dogs at the humane society: Shaping, Luring, and Catching in the Act. Luring is the easiest way. I'll try to explain as much as I can but its a lot easier to just demonstrate. To teach sit with luring, all you do is get your treat and hold it a little above the dog's nose. Then move your hand forward and up some. The dog should naturally sit with you doing this. If he does, praise praise praise. Do not add the vocal command yet because the dog is still learning. When you get to the point where you can hold your hand in front of you, palm up, raise it up a few inches as a signal, and the dog sits, then you are ready to add the vocal command. We never teach by shoving the dog in the position because a lot of times this teaches them that being touched is sort of a bad thing. Especially since they are shelter dogs, they are already a little squeamish. To teach the down we simply hold the treat in front of the nose and guide it to the floor. You can do this from the sit or stand position. We generally do it from a stand unless a certain dog won't do it like that. Remember "Nose to the toes". Don't worry if the dog doesn't know to lay down right away. Put the treat on the floor with your hand over it. The dog may sniff and try to get it but most likely will lay down in a minute. As soon as they do, praise and give treasts! I know some tricks for teaching stubborn dogs down but I think they are too complicated to type out.

Catching in the act is something that we don't use often but works. We once had this malamute who would not go into a down for anything in the world. So all we did, was took her into a visitation room several times a day and ignore her. The second she'd lay down, she'd get a ton of treats, petting and verbal praise. She started to learn maybe laying down isn't such a bad thing afterall.

Shaping is also used for the more stubborn dogs. When you try to lure them but they just won't go all the way, we start praising for the little steps in between. If we are teaching a down and they start to go down a little, they get praise. Each time they get closer to a down, more praise. Eventually they will be in a down and then they get a whole handful of little treats.

Just think of a dog as someone from a foreign country. They have no idea what sit means so you need to show them instead of constantly repeating the command in thier face. Be sure not to add the vocal command until they know the signal or they will become somewhat immune to the vocal and just ignore you. When you do give the vocal, only say it once and then wait for the dog to do it. Don't repeat it 10 times or you will have a dog that is not going to sit every time you say sit. Patience is the key. Good luck with Tiffany!!!