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.