What Happens When You Tell Your Dog “Sit”? - Part 2

The other day we were talking about your dog and the sit command.  Go here for that discussion.

Have you thought about what I was saying?

Your dog does sit some of the time.  Once in the Sit command, he probably nevers remain in the Sit command until you release him.  This happens for two reasons.

1. You haven’t taught him that the command means to hold it as long as you want him to hold it.
2. You aren’t his leader.

We are going to start to change that right now.

Next time you tell your dog to Sit, do it with a collar and leash on. Do not hold the leash tightly.  Hold it loosely so that you are not choking him.

• Tell him to Sit.
• Praise him immediately when he does.
• Have him stay (do not tell him to stay) in the Sit command for 15-30 seconds.  This will seem like an eternity.
• If he starts to get up.  Tell him No and repeat the Sit command.  Make him Sit if he resists.  Give him light Praise when he does Sit.
• Hold for 15-30 seconds again.
• Continue until he holds it for the full 15-30 seconds.  Give him a release command such as Break and Praise him.

That’s it for now.  Continue to give the command.  Make him Sit and Praise him for doing it.  Always give more Praise if he does it right the first time.  If you have to make him Sit, give him Praise when he does do it.  Just not as much as if he did it right the first time.

Once he is holding it for 15-30 seconds, increase the time gradually until he is holding it for a couple of minutes only.

Start to move around him no further than the length of the leash and Praise him if he holds it.  Immediately, put him back into the Sit if he breaks it.
From this point on, never give him the Sit command unless you can make him do it if he doesn’t.  That is good for both on-leash and off-leash.  Of course, I wouldn’t tell him to do it off-leash until he is automatic on-leash.

Notice I am telling you to Praise him.  He doesn’t need treats to do this.  Praise from you is reward enough.

Also, when you have to make him Sit.  Do not punish or choke him or get mad.  Calmly put him back into the Sit.  Then Praise him.

I would love some feedback.

If you run in to any aggression,stop what you are doing and call a professional trainer immediately!

What Happens When You Tell Your Dog “Sit”?

I will bet for many of you your dog will sit …

• If he has nothing better to do.
• If you have a treat in your hand and he is hungry.
• If he his already paying attention to you.
• If he is in a controlled environment.

What happens after the sit command?

Does your dog remain in the sit position until you release him?

If you are like most people, the answer is no.

Your dog very possibly may sit if the “conditions are right”.  But as soon as he wants, he breaks the command and goes back to doing what he wants.  And you let him.
Don’t feel bad.

If you fit in this category, you are probably one of millions that do not have true control over your dog.

And … you are not your dog’s true leader.  Think about that.  If you were, he would stay in the command until you release him.

Ever wonder why he doesn’t listen to you?

• He doesn’t think you mean it.
• He doesn’t think you will make him.
• He doesn’t think you can make him do it.

Stay tuned and we will teach your dog to remain in the sit command until you release him … because you are the leader.

Your Pets Medicine - Your Veterinarian Or The Internet? (The Conclusion)

If you remember the post regarding your pet’s medicine from a week ago, I showed you how you could possible save on your pet’s medicine by getting your veterinarian to price match your pet’s medicine from the internet.

I also promised to provide you even more information why buying your pets medications online may not be the way to go. Here goes …

Did you know that many products and medications for pets have a guarantee if administered through a licensed veterinarian? Did you also know that most of these guarantees are void when purchased from online retailers? Make sure you read the fine print or check with the retailer if you decide to purchase this way. Get your answer in writing from the retailer or the company who manufactures the product.

A good example would be two owners who give their dogs’ heartworm preventative. Both love their pets and work hard to maintain their dogs’ health and nutrition. Both give the heartworm preventative regularly as prescribed.

Dog owner #1 buys his pets medicine (in this case heartworm preventative) online. Dog owner #2 buys his through his dog’s veterinarian. Let’s say in this particular case, both owners’ dogs test positive for heartworms. Although rare, it can happen.

Dog owner #2’s veterinary bill for heartworm treatment will be paid by the manufacturer as outlined in their guarantee. Why? Because it is documented in his dog’s medical records by his veterinarian.

Dog owner #1 does not have such a luxury. He has to pay the bill entirely out of pocket because he purchased his pets medicine online.

What makes the difference in the two? The manufacturer’s guarantee does! Go to this link (http://www.interceptor.novartis.us/dog/en/about.shtml) and scroll down to the bottom where it says, “Novartis 100% Satisfaction Guarantee to Veterinarians.”

Read that section in its entirety.

Get the picture? Which dog owner will you be?

The guarantee also applies to other products besides heartworm medication. If your dog has a reaction or if for some reason you are unhappy with your pet’s medicine, good luck getting a sympathetic ear from the online vendor!

If you are still determined to go online to buy your pets medicine, check the packaging. Make sure it has the proper expiration. Make sure it is in the correct language. Read the instructions and conditions. And make sure the contents look in satisfactory condition.

To summarize, who do you think really cares about your pet? It should be an easy answer … your veterinarian.

In fact, any decision regarding your pet’s safety and well being should be deferred to professionals.