Teaching her to keep her butt on the ground!

Blipbug · Jul 26, 2009

So I am trying to condition Quest to sit, and stay seating until released. She knows what stay is, and she knows if she's told to stay that she better get comfortable where she is, but sit is only a temporary command right now.

If told to sit, she'll sit, and for the most time indoors she'll keep her sit until released but not outside. I have read up on two different training methods and I have tried them both. One was to put the e-collar around her waist and zap her little tush if it leaves the ground, then to try pulling her a bit to test her sit and to correct her if she breaks. This is all good and fine, and she gets it. The other method is of course the heeling stick... you break that sit and BAM!

The correction that I'm looking for is at a distance. I could put her in a sit and then walk 100 yrds away, but the anticipation of me calling her here she breaks and bolts towards me! Or if she's at a heal and I toss a bumper I have to hold her collar as I throw it and as I let go I have to say 'Sit' to reinforce the command then she's ok to fetch it, but sometimes as I let go of her collar she bolts. When she bolts I don't know what to do...

I also want to get away from 'sit' 'sit' 'sit' 'sit. I hate being that kind... lol
I want sit to mean SIT!

jeff t. · Jul 26, 2009

I would start very, very close, making sure that she fully understands with 100% success, and gradually increase the distance over a period of days/weeks.

Wtrfwl with Ruff · Jul 26, 2009

This is a constant process that takes time, I understand your frustrations. A very wise dog trainer told me one time that when the dog breaks sit CALMLY walk to them pick em up by the scruff of neck and skin above the butt and carry them back to the exact spot that you wanted them to sit.

As far as breaking i am not sure how old Quest is but you need to keep them on a long lead or have the gunner pick up the bird so that if she breaks she does not get the retrieve. IF YOU USE A LONG LEAD WHERE GLOVES!!!!!!! Move slowly and progress quickly...

T-Pines · Jul 26, 2009

I agree with everything that has been said,especially the 100% success before you increase distance or time.

The other thing that I would add is do not do any sits with recalls right now, too confusing. I know what you mean, they are sitting there all excited for you to call them on the recall they can hardly wait. So do not do it. Just walk back calmly, walk around them and praise for sitting.

Obviously, you are starting with her right next to you or in front of you and you have her on a collar and leash of your choice. If she get up you can calmly correct her very easilly. This sounds like a dog that wants to do everything fast, so you have to be in slow motion with her and wait her out. Also, you have to be very relaxed and not in a hurry with her because she will sense that.

I have also been told to increase time before distance

Once you have her sitting for a minute or so, I would slowly add distractions from farther away, people moving around, stuff getting thrown, noises etc. to proof her sit.

Also, be very consistent with her. Even if it is not a training situation, but you have told her to sit but she gets up to go greet someone nicely and you think that is O.K. it is not. Go get her, make her sit back on the spot that she was sitting on.

Have fun.

T-Pines · Jul 26, 2009

I am adding one more thing. I just read the part about her bolting on the release of her collar for the retrieve. You have got to wait this one out. Do not even release her collar until you see her butt go back down and you see relaxation in the dogs body language. YOu are very calm, like you could wait all day, you will eventually see them almost sigh then calmly release them. YOu could even try sighing yourself and releasing all of the tension from you shoulders which might start her relaxation process. Do not worry about her forgetting the retrieve, she won't. If she has to hunt around for awhile, who cares, that is not what you are working on.

jeff t. · Jul 26, 2009

You might also consider the use of a platform as you increase distance.

Here are a couple of Pat Nolan's videos of a very young pup demonstrating an understanding of "sit" and "place" through the use of platforms.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAmIt4SFS_c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESo_9NteESA

Hope this helps

Teaching her to keep her butt on the ground!

Blipbug

jeff t.

Wtrfwl with Ruff

T-Pines

T-Pines

jeff t.

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