Once your dog has accepted the Sit, Stay and Come commands, he is very likely ready to move on to Intermediate Training. At this stage, teaching him to Lie Down on command is probably your best option simply because he is already familiar with the Sit behavior.
First, command your little pal to Sit. Take his favorite treat and move it a bit closer to the ground prior to allowing him to take it. Don't allow movement from the Sit position. After he has this process learned, move the treat a bit farther away but still keeping it on the ground. Uh Oh! Now, he must lie down in order to reach this little goody. When he does this, simply say, "Lie Down." Be consistent and eventually you will be able to fade out the treat completely. Patience is a must -- he may try to get up but simply keep him in the Sit position until he has mastered the entire technique.
Teaching the Heel command is really important for your little pal. You want him to have good manners, and lunging at other people or pets is just not good behavior. You first teach your dog not to pull on the leash. Start off in a small area, making small circles and walking very slowly. This will cause him to think about going slow and also help him understand whether you are going left or right. Occasionally, however, give him a little room to explore -- have you ever met a dog who didn't like to sniff every thing in sight?
After your little friend is consistent with the Sit behavior, training him to Sit Up is a snap. Choose a bit of food or his favorite treat, hold it over his head while he is in a Sitting position but low enough so that he can reach it. Continue this maneuver but raise the treat a bit higher each time so that he must stretch for it but still remain seated.
Begin to raise the treat even higher at this point. Unless he raises his front paws from the ground, he won't be able to reach the treat. And when he does this, now is the time to use the verbal cue, "Sit Up." Once he understands the behavior you are looking for, you can fade out the treat and use only your hand, giving him his cue of "Sit Up."
The Intermediate Behaviors Training will be a fun challenge for both you and your dog. Be consistent, patient and gentle with your little guy. He only wants your approval and acceptance.
First, command your little pal to Sit. Take his favorite treat and move it a bit closer to the ground prior to allowing him to take it. Don't allow movement from the Sit position. After he has this process learned, move the treat a bit farther away but still keeping it on the ground. Uh Oh! Now, he must lie down in order to reach this little goody. When he does this, simply say, "Lie Down." Be consistent and eventually you will be able to fade out the treat completely. Patience is a must -- he may try to get up but simply keep him in the Sit position until he has mastered the entire technique.
Teaching the Heel command is really important for your little pal. You want him to have good manners, and lunging at other people or pets is just not good behavior. You first teach your dog not to pull on the leash. Start off in a small area, making small circles and walking very slowly. This will cause him to think about going slow and also help him understand whether you are going left or right. Occasionally, however, give him a little room to explore -- have you ever met a dog who didn't like to sniff every thing in sight?
After your little friend is consistent with the Sit behavior, training him to Sit Up is a snap. Choose a bit of food or his favorite treat, hold it over his head while he is in a Sitting position but low enough so that he can reach it. Continue this maneuver but raise the treat a bit higher each time so that he must stretch for it but still remain seated.
Begin to raise the treat even higher at this point. Unless he raises his front paws from the ground, he won't be able to reach the treat. And when he does this, now is the time to use the verbal cue, "Sit Up." Once he understands the behavior you are looking for, you can fade out the treat and use only your hand, giving him his cue of "Sit Up."
The Intermediate Behaviors Training will be a fun challenge for both you and your dog. Be consistent, patient and gentle with your little guy. He only wants your approval and acceptance.
About the Author:
Joel Silverman has trained killer whales at Sea World and hosted the TV series "Good Dog U" on Animal Planet. For free dog training online and detailed dog training tips and techniques, visit the CompanionsForLife online dog training guide.
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