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- Adding Behavior Services  -

DayCare - Teaching Dogs a Basic Vocabulary

Teaching Sit
 

Start with a hungry dog. Stand in front of the dog - also standing, hold a treat for the dog to lick from a closed hand. Move your hand very slowly up and back so that the dog looks up and back. The dog will naturally sit. Just as he is in the process of sitting, then say “Sit” and treat immediately.           

If this method does not work, put your thumb under the top of the collar and try. If needed, pull up slightly on the collar at the same time.

IMPORTANT TIP:  Be relaxed to help the dog to relax. Inhale a deep breath and then exhale audibly. Remember, dog's read human body language. Relax your muscle tone. Move your hands slowly and deliberately. Do not stare or lean over the dog (threatening).

Leash Training          

Require a nylon snap-type collar, for the dog to wear all day as well as going in and out or runs and kennels. The reason is for safety identification tags and to allow leash-training the dog. Never drag a dog. Dragging the dog only increases his instinct to resist. Don't allow pulling either. Pulling only reinforces more pulling.

If the dog refuses to walk, use treats.  You can also squat or kneel and call the dog to you. Clap and make friendly noises if needed to generate interest. Give praise for any forward movement. approaches you. Back up and repeat the process. If that isn’t working, pick the dog up and return him to the kennel; try again later.

Fitting the Collar
 

A correct fitting nylon or leather flat collar will not slip over the head of the dog but is not so tight that a thumb cannot be easily slipped  under the collar.

 

Teaching Come

 

When the dog is on leash, you can back up and call the dog to you for a treat. You can also call the dog to the front of a run for a treat. ALWAYS praise the dog for approaching. Ideally, the dog will learn to come when called without hesitation.

 

Have the dog drag a leash in the yard so you can get the leash if the dog won't come when called. As you gently give little "tugs" to reel the dog in, praise cooperation. Do not give a treat when you use the leash. Only give the treat for the dog coming on his own.

 

Once the dog happily comes when called, begin to ask the dog to sit for a second treat. When you give the treat for sitting, also slip your thumb under the collar so the dog get's use to you reaching for the collar (and does not run away.) 

 

NEVER call the dog and then put the dog away or stop the fun. ALWAYS call the dog many times during play to give a treat and to release the dog back to play as the ultimate reward. When it is time to put the dog back in a run or kennel. Go to the dog, ask for the sit and hook on the leash. Give a big treat when putting back in the run to soften the blow.

...::::::: Copyright © 2000-Present  All Rights Reserved by Rolan Tripp, DVM  and Susan Tripp, MS, Animal Behavior Network and Associates :::::::...