Working the Sit/Settle with a large unruly dog. I began training Sebastian yesterday.

Sebastian a 4 year old very large chocolate Labrador male was very difficult to sit and settle. He was never trained to behave so this was new to him. This exercise is the foundation for dogs to learn. If they are not attentive then they will not be able to hear or understand commands. Their minds and instincts will be at another place.

As he was jumping up scratching me with his long unclipped nails, just made me more determine to get this boy under control. I tried to keep my elbows locked and my wrists locked as I held on to his collar cupping his muzzle with my hands to try to develop eye contact. As he was out of control I kept working him into a sit position and verbally I corrected him each time he jumped and praise every time I got him to sit. This went on for several minutes as my client watched. I was beginning to get tired. It was very important that I prevailed. 

Finally, Sebastian sat and was settled as I continued to hold him in place rubbing the back of his ears with my index fingers. His eyes became focused on mine as he sat still. Once I felt his body was relaxed I began the next exercise. The Stand/Wait/Sit for adult dogs. 

How to begin: Sit/Settle. Develop Eye Contact and Teach Attention Skills throughout all lessons.Its much easier to train a younger dog or puppy or a dog that is compliant. 

Stand in front of your dog and place both hands under the collar cupping the muzzle so the dog is forced to look at you. Keep your elbows locked and wrists locked especially if your dog is not compliant. If he becomes rambunctious lift the front legs off the floor and then gently place. 

Verbal correction is UH UH or Stop It or Knock It Off, etc. in a firm voice tone and followed by praise in an uplifting voice tone with your index fingers rub behind the ears while holding the collar and say, " Good Boy, or Good Girl, Oh You're so Smart, Nice, etc.

Correct unwanted behavior and Praise wanted behavior, using voice intonation.

Once your dog is under control and attentive begin the obedience exercises. Always go back to Sit/Settle when needed.

Bella was rescued by Halfway Hound of Park Ridge. I began training her yesterday at the Pet Lodge in Park Ridge. Here are the initial steps I took:
Step 1. We began outside in backyard. Introducing myself to her with hugging and petting. 

Step 2. Sit/Settle guiding her to sit position and teaching eye contact, attention skills, how to accept hands on, and to listen to voice intonation for praise. 

Step 3. Continue with Step 2 and began Stand/Wait/Sit exercise. I repeated this several times until she was sure what was expected. I was always using gentle guidance but with firm hands to properly teach.

Step 4. Began walking or heeling. Of course always working on eye contact and attention skills its more difficult to train that while on the move. 

Teach walking in proper position with no pulling, no lagging and no sniffing. Taught her to walk with me on a loose lead. No tight lead walking.

Began walking in a large left rectangle then changed with a right about turn and began walking in a right rectangle.

She was doing so well, began doing large left circles and large right circles. 

Also serpentines and step to the right and lets go exercises.

Then finished the walking with fast pace and slow.

reviewed the Stand/Wait/Sit exercise and ended.

Recap

Bella is a lovely dog and will make a wonderful pet and friend for someone.

She is a little skidish that can be worked on through formal OB training to build confidence.

She also has mild body sensitivity, i believe is genetic. So working slowly not to startle her is recommended. I would recommend for now not to get her too excited. Show always how to behave well.

NO Biting or aggressive issues.