Sit!

I'm always amazed when I see people with dogs who have absolutely no training.  Even when we were testing dogs for the Angel Dogs Program at Madonna, I'd see otherwise well-behaved, pleasant dogs, who didn't know to sit and stay on command, wouldn't walk nicely on a leash, or obey other basic commands.

First, let me say that many dogs will behave perfectly, until faced with distractions.  In a previous post, I talked about Cassie's issues with strange dogs on a leash, so I'm the last person who should look down on someone regarding their dog's behavior.  Often, however, the lack of manners is just simply the result of not providing proper training.  One of the first, and most important things to teach your dog is to sit.

I prefer to teach a dog to sit before I work too much on a recall ("Come").  One reason for this is simply because it's much easier to teach - most dogs will sit easily, and they're already close to you and paying at least some attention to you.  Plus, you can teach "Sit" with the dog on a lead, and you'll be able to correct poor behavior much easier.  If your dog will sit and pay attention to you on command, you'll be able to teach him a bunch of other things.

In most cases, you can train a dog without use of punishment.  You may, however, have to use a mild leash correction from time to time.  That means a sharp tug on the leash.  It's important when you do this to realize this tug is to get the dog's attention - it's not to cause pain, or to pull them into position.  Done correctly, there's no pain to the dog.  The leash, in this case, is simply the instrument of connection between you and the dog - it's use, purpose, and intention is entirely different than when you're on the street going for a walk, when you may have to physically drag your dog away from danger or some other distraction.  During training, our goal is to teach the dog that it's a great idea to do what my trainer is telling me to do.

To get the proper attitude of both dog and owner, it's important to begin training in an environment conducive to learning - few distractions, and you and Fido are relaxed and having fun.  Your dog should thing practicing his training is the most fun thing ever!  If you find yourself getting frustrated, or if your dog is bored, frustrated, or confused, it's time to quit.

So, how do you make a dog think learning is great fun?  With my dogs, it's FOOD!  All of my dogs, as well as most dogs I've been around, have been motivated by food - if your dog isn't , you'll still be able to teach them.  They may do what you want for a toy, or even just some attention - It just takes a little modification to your methods.

The easiest way to get a dog to sit is to let him see a treat in your hand - he'll probably stare at it (and drool).  Hold it over his nose, and move it towards his tail, so he has to tilt his head back.  If you do it properly, he'll probably sit as his head goes up.  Say "Sit" as his butt goes down.  If your dog wants to jump up and get the treat, hold his collar so he can't jump up.  I don't recommend pushing the dogs back end down - in my experience it often just makes them brace it more.  If your dog already knows "Sit", it will sometimes help to just put you hand on his tail end to remind him it's there (dogs sometimes seem to forget they have a back side).  If your dog isn't crazy over food, you can do the same thing with a toy.  If neither of these are the ticket, try kneeling in front of him, and taking his head in your hands and petting him.  Gently guide his nose up, and he'll most likely sit - then you can love him up like crazy.  Don't be afraid to use lots of praise when he sits - do it almost to the point of feeling silly.  Your dog will love it.

Once your dog knows the command, start making him sit for everything -  before you open the door to get him to go outside, before you put his leash on, before you put his food down, etc.  He'll soon learn how great it is to do as you ask.  If he doesn't obey immediately, just wait a few seconds and stare at him - he'll most likely look sheepish and sit down.  It's usually counter-productive to keep repeating the command over and over - once or twice (assuming he heard the command) should be enough.  If it's not, you've likely not succeeded in convincing him it's important for him to obey.

If you take formal obedience classes - and especially if you plan on entering him in obedience trials - you'll want to start him off sitting straight, and in the exact proper position.  Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about his posture - many dogs sit on one hip.  In any case, have fun, and make it fun for your dog - both you and Rover will have fun!