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Show p TEACHING THE THREE SIT POSITIONS by Tom Farley The very basis of all dog training are the three sitting positions and it is vital that they be taught at the beginning. The three commands are designed to teach the dog both that he is to sit and where he is to sit. The command "Sit" means that he is to sit where he is. The command "Heel" means that he is to sit in a position to the left of the handler. The command "Come" always preceded by his name, as "Rover Come" means to sit in front of the handler. If on the command "Heel" or "Rover Come" the dog fails to sit down he should be pushed into position but the additional command "Sit" should not be given as the dog must learn to associate both the position and posture with the command. This lesson should not have been started Unless your dog has learned to work well on a leash. The training jerk is used as a correction at all times (plus the voice reprimand) and the leash is always loose. If your dog still has a tendency to pull against the collar spend another an-other day getting him used to the leash and collar as shown in the previous lesson. Use the word "no" in corrections. He must learn that "no" always means that he is doing wrong. - N;. S - : V -i x V ' S ' 1 ' 3 I I e y - i I (V - :; r, ' ' ;t a I- f i i al -www' iJ - ft - f 7 - - '-yi pVv est' To make a dog assume the sitting position is easy if it is done right Taking a short grip on the leash with the right hand and placing the left hand over the loins, pull up on the leash at the same time the left hand pushes back with a rolling motion. If the dog is in front of you the thumb will be on his right side (picture 1) but if he is in the .heel position picture 2) the hand is reversed. Be lavish with praise when he dog responds. For a well nourished healthy dog praise is the only reward needed. Teaching the dog to obey the command "Sit" is only a matter of patience but some instruction is necessary in the teaching of "Heel" and "Rover Come." When the dog has pretty well mastered "Sit," perhaps after about two days, bring him to the left side and make him sit on the command "Heel." From this position step forward a short way (picture 3), stop, give the command "Heel" and push him into position. If after a few days of this he seems to be mastering the command com-mand then add "Rover Come." The training is the same as for "Heel" but the position is, of course, directly in front and facing the handler. As an exercise, you should walk backward a few steps (picture 4), stop and give the command "Rover Come" pushing him into place (picture 5) to demonstrate what is expected. ; , |