THE IMPORTANCE OF SIT
Starting today your dog has to SIT for everything. SIT before coming in and out of doors. SIT before meals. SIT to greet people and accept petting. SIT before getting into or out of the car. Incorporate SIT into your everyday life as often as possible. This is the first step of teaching your dog manners and restraint. If you teach SIT as a lifestyle then your dog will know it as such instead of just as a trick. (Exception: If your dog is having problems with housetraining, on your first trip out to potty after a long stay in the kennel then you may want to skip the SIT command if it risks the possibility of the dog losing control of his bladder.)
Have your dog drag a light weight leash around while in the home. Always supervise the dog for safety reasons and remove the leash when in his kennel. When training the dog, use the leash to guide your dog into position. For example, if your dog likes to jump on furniture, then use the leash and guide him back to the floor with “NO, OFF”. The command “OFF” should be used anytime less than four feet are on the floor. Use it for jumping, getting onto beds or furniture, for counter-surfing, etc. Do not push your dog away with your hands. If you push with your hands your dog will interpret this as petting and encouragement to do it again.
Pick a release word: A single word that indicates to your dog that he is now free to get up and go about his activities. This word should be given with lots of enthusiasm and praise to let your dog know that you appreciate his efforts. Common release words are “OK”, “FREE” and “RELEASE”. You must use the release word every time you give a command to enforce structure. For example, once you give the SIT command, the dog should hold himself in the sitting position until he hears his release word and then he may get up.
Be very aware of your eye contact with your dog. Of course you can look at your dog, but don’t get into the habit of “staring” your dog into command. If you do, he will only SIT when you are looking at him and that isn’t real life. It also can be intimidating to stare directly at your dog.
Watch your body language and voice control. Dogs really can be intimidated by too much of it from you. Do not bend over the dog or rush and swoop in at the dog. Harsh tones and yelling are unnecessary and intimidating, as well.
Balance your praise based on your dog’s performance. It is critical that you praise your dog to reward good and wanted behavior. However, if you had to tell your dog multiple times before he complied with your wishes then he should not receive the same amount of praise as if he had obeyed on the first command.
Effective corrections are mandatory. One effective correction is better than one hundred ineffective corrections. The proper correction is about speed – not strength. It’s a leash pop or snap not a tug, lurch, or pull. Remember to say “NO” at the same time you give the leash pop and then re-issue the command.
TEACH MANNERS AND SELF CONTROL
The SIT command is the easiest to start with and is a great way to begin teaching the dog self control. The following are excellent uses of the command:
o When going outside have the dog sit at the door until verbally released.
o When coming indoors have the dog sit at the door until verbally released before entering.
o Practice having the dog sit while you wipe each one of his paws dry of snow, mud, rain.
o A dog cannot run out of the house or jump out of the car if he is sitting.
o Have the dog sit while you examine his eyes, nose, mouth, ears.
o The dog cannot jump on a person if he is sitting.
o Have the dog sit while you prepare his food dish. He must be verbally released in order to eat.
o When on a walk the dog cannot lunge at a person/dog if he is sitting.
o Have the dog sit prior to being greeted and for petting.
o The dog cannot knock over a small child if you ask him to sit instead.
o Have the dog sit when putting on his collar.
o While you are talking with a neighbor the dog cannot pull if he is sitting.
o Have the dog sit while you brush him or trim his nails.
CONSISTENCY = SUCCESS
Set the rules and then live by them. Do not give your dog an opportunity to disobey. If you are not in the mood for training then do not set your dog up to fail. Only give commands that you will be able to enforce with either praise or correction. Do not give a command when you cannot reinforce it.
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