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Lesson 6 This lesson is to add polish to the commands your dog has learned. Sit As you walk your dog, command your dog to "Sit". The trainer must stop as he makes this command, allowing the dog a few seconds to respond before correcting him. Praise him when he responds appropriately. Come From the "Sit" position, leave your dog and have him hold that position for 30 seconds to one minute. Command your dog to "Come" as you step backward for 10 steps. The dog should sit directly in front of you, facing you. If he needs correcting, reposition him with gentle tugs. Or have him heel, take a few steps, and have him sit. Down From the neutral position, command your dog to "Down". The trainer should stand erect with no body motion, except for the hand signal and voice command "Down". Praise the dog. If the dog ignores your command, correct, then praise. Stand From the neutral position, command your dog to "Stand". The trainer should stand next to the dog and keep the leash short while holding it in the right hand. As you make the command, lead off with your left foot and place the left hand with top finger touching the dog belly close to the hind leg. The dog will stop when his hind leg touches your finger. Praise the dog. Hold this position for thirty seconds. Pivot to the front of the dog, so that he is facing you. Finish Face the dog and hold the leash in your right hand. Place your left hand under his chin. Motion the dog with your hand to your left as you take a step back and the dog makes a semicircle and comes to sit at your left side. Praise. If the dog has problems with this, assist with gentle tugs of the leash. Make sure the dog is sitting straight at your side. If not, quickly command the dog to "Heel", take a few steps forward, and command the dog to "Sit". Repeat this step until the dog sits straight at your side. Heel As you walk your dog, you will be working on the position of his head. The ideal position is for the animal to make eye contact with you, his head looking toward your leg. If he is in the correct position, but his head (attention) is elsewhere, correct with "No" and gentle tugs as necessary. Be sure to praise when he responds. And praise exuberantly if he is in the ideal position without coaching. Exercise Finish From the standing position, command your dog to "Come". Take one or two steps forward, and command the dog to "Sit" as you motion upward with your hand. If the dog does not respond, command the dog to "Heel" and try again. |
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This is Lesson 6. |
