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.
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.