Thursday, December 29, 2011

Learn More About Dog Training And Obedience.

By Harry Barber


As your pup's first lesson, you can teach him to sit. There are several good reasons why you should start with this command. First, sitting comes naturally to dogs since they often sit to rest. Two, teaching the pup to sit is relatively easy, a lesson that he will learn very quickly. You will also find the sit position to be an excellent base or jump-off from which other commands can be launched. When the pup is sitting, he is quiet and under control. When it comes to the sit position, it is akin to the five basic foot positions of the ballet dancer.

The sit position has practical applications, it is not just a trick. You will find the sit useful at intersections when you are walking the pup or when meeting a friend and in various other situations where you want the dog to be quiet and under control.

The lesson should be started with the pup on the leash. You can place him on your left side; later he'll be walking or heeling from that position. Hold the leash in your right hand, give the command "Sit!" and lift up on the leash. This will raise the pup's head. Push down on his rear end with your left hand. These movements should be repeated until the pup sits down without your having to lean on him. Then, you can give the command and unsnap the leash. If he sits down only halfway or balks, you can put him on the leash and start over. What he will learn soon is that he has to obey otherwise, he will be restrained with the leash. When he gets the lesson right, you can praise him well.

Use your left hand to push down on his rear end. Repeat these movements until the pup sits down without your having to lean on him. Then unsnap the leash and give the command. Put him back on the leash and start over if he balks or sits down only halfway. He'll soon learn that when he doesn't obey, he'll be restrained with the leash. Make sure to praise him when he gets the lesson right.

What you need to do next is introduce him to the appropriate hand signal. Give the command sit as you move a pace or two in front of the dog and hold up your forefinger in an admonishing gesture. Let him see it. Keep repeating the lesson, using both the command and the hand signal. There are many situations in which you will find the hand signal useful even though it has its best use when working at a distance such as in the field. When there is too much noise for your dog to hear your voice is one such example.




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