The Trainers. Let’s Ask
Teaching A Puppy The Basics:
Sit, Stay, Come.
WHAT PET PARENT doesn’t like to hear that their dog is smart and well-behaved, especially a par- ent of a puppy? Of course, they’re all smart, cute and irre- sistible. It’s that last trait that lulls many of us into complacency, putting off training and socializ- ing the puppy until bad behavior ensues and becomes intolerable for the humans and other dogs. We let puppies get away
with so much more. We forget to raise them not like what they are, but what they are to become. But, is it really bad behavior or just bad communication? Sending mixed signals to pup- pies will make them more likely to misbehave. One thing is certain: training
happens every single day. There is no finish line, even after they’ve become adults. We asked dog trainer Glen
Hatchell to help us with Angel’s sit, stay and come commands. She was already sitting for her food (sort of) and definitely doing it well for treats. Getting her to stay and come to us - well, that’s a continuing process. Patience is the key. And consistency. And, not being too hard on yourself. On the following pages of
our Ask The Dog Trainers section, we also feature “Introducing A Puppy To Loose-Leash Walking” from Sarasota Dog Wizard train- er Stephen Swan. Our Miami connection, Dee Hoult, talks about reinforcing unruly puppy behavior in “A Dog Trainer’s Pet Peeve.” Then, our Jacksonville connection, Laura Miller, recalls a poignant story of second chances in “A Bronx Tail.”
58 THE NEW BARKER –words by Glen Hatchell | pictures by Anna Cooke
Glen Hatchell, Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KSA), and Angel spending a few moments getting to know each other before the session begins.
Sit
Step 1: Stand in a natural and comfortable position with arms at your side. Step 2: Say the cue, sit, in a voice that she will hear. Step 3: After you say the cue, bring your hand up slowly while keeping your elbow at your side. It looks like an arm curl. Step 4: Reward her with treats or excited affection. Angel seemed to like both rewards equally well.
As she responds more quickly and consistently, your cues will be quicker. Always remember that it will take more time for her to respond when there are distractions. Your consistency is crucial to her learn- ing and when you give the cue, you should give her up to 10 seconds to respond. If she doesn’t act on the cue within 10 seconds, give the cue again. Glen’s recommendation: Your hand cue should be slow and very easy for Angel to see. The only movements that you make are to give her the cue.
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