Lesson 2: Lesson Two: Building on Lesson One
We can now polish up those commands and add to them.
Using a Release Word, Sit and Stay
Using a Release Word
Now that the pup has learned a few commands, we need to train ourselves to use a release word. After every command to sit, down or stand, use a word such as "ok" just before the dog moves out of the position. When we start to teach Stay, it will be second nature and the dog will understand that he can move.
Sit and Stay
Have the dog sitting at your left side. Hold the leash in your left hand, straight up over the dog's head. Keep the leash snug, but not tight. We are just trying to keep the dog from moving to follow us. Give the dog the command "stay" and the hand signal with the right hand. The hand signal is the hand flat, palm out, like a traffic cop stopping traffic. There are three parts to each of the steps. Move slowly, do not touch the dog and do not use your release word. Do praise the dog quietly. You can combine commands with praise as in, "good sit, good stay." You are not releasing the dog between steps.
Turn and step in front of the dog, facing him. At the count of two, or before he moves, step back to the left side and quietly praise. Give the command and signal. Step in front of the dog again, and slowly move to the left side of the dog. Again, at the count of two step back and quietly praise the dog. Repeat 1 and 2 and slowly move around the dog and back to the starting position.
At any time, if the dog gets up, immediately pull up on the leash and give a "no." Put him back into the sit and start again. Remember, the "no" is simply to tell the dog he made a mistake. It is not to punish him for misbehaving since he doesn't know what we are asking him to do.
Once he is steady on these three steps, repeat them again with a slack leash. Praise quietly each time you return to the starting position
When he is steady on the previous step, go to the end of the leash and repeat the three steps. This time, when you get through all three steps, praise the dog and release him from the stay with your release word. Once the dog grasps the command you can eliminate the steps and just give the command and signal.
Notice we did not use treats with this exercise. That is because we are not asking the dog to do anything. A treat or toy would actually encourage him to move and that's not what we are trying to do.
Gradually increase the time you ask the dog to stay. Then gradually increase the distance you move away.
