Sit! Training Special Edition

Training Exercise -Sit!

This month’s training exercise is called “Sit!” Training your master to ‘sit’ is one of the fundamental exercises every human should learn. The main advantages of a seated human are:

1.	They’re not so tall. (I don’t know about you pups but I get a kink in my neck looking up all the time)
2.	A seated human is: A. Beg ready B. Play ready (Most likely they are eating something while in the ‘sit’. If not they obviously want a toy to toss us.)
3.	A ‘seated’ human is more ‘manageable’. (Have you ever tried acting ‘cute’ while your human is waltzing around the house?)

REMEMBER – A ‘seated’ human is more focused and truly attentive to our basic needs – hot dogs and toys!

OK Max, so how exactly do we train a human to sit?

I’m glad you asked. PATIENCE is the key to having your humans sit more. Ideally you want to work up to a full time seated human. At this advanced stage they grow to massive horizontal proportions and their main interest becomes eating and snacking which as you all know is the foundation of the ultimate human/canine relationship. Namely… they eat… they toss us morsels…. we’re happy!! Simple.

Let me explain how it’s done.

The DEMO method. This may seem ridiculously simple but humans learn by imitating and watching. When you are walking on a leash your master may occasionally ask you to ‘sit’. What they are really asking is ‘Max? Would you please show me again how to ‘sit’? I’ve completely forgotten.” Well… show them! It pays off in the long run.

Humans have an expression: “I hate to eat and run….”. This is bad and really one of the main reasons you want to train your master to sit. By reinforcing the ‘sit’ command you CAN and WILL gradually change that misdirected thought process to something more creative like this: “Hey guys, let’s cook up some hot dogs, flop out on the couch and toss little pieces to the dog all night! What do ya say?” Now this is the direction we’re looking for!

S I T !

Training Your Master

Training your Master

This month we begin a special feature on training. Our first exercise is:

HOW TO TEACH YOUR MASTER TO WALK SLIGHTLY BEHIND YOU.

This technique has several advantages:

1. If you’re walking along with your master and you spot something on the ground several feet ahead (example: a discarded piece of hot dog) you will have a greater advantage of reaching that object first for some quality sniffing time (or if you’re lucky, a rapid gulp-down) This is only possible if you are walking slightly ahead.

2. When your master is slightly behind you their arm is extended which will provide them the necessary stretch and strengthening exercise which will later be useful for playing stick or fetch games.

3. You always know where your master is! …. Behind you! No need to wonder, “Where’s my master?” (A great stress reducer)

4. Other humans will think to themselves, “Oh my… that person must really love their little doggie. Look at the way they are always running after them!”

It must be clear by now how important it is to train your master to walk slightly behind you so let’s get right down to the techniques.

If your master is like mine, they will generally begin the training exercise with the common misconception that they are in charge. You may find yourself having to sit right beside them on their left side! Try and be patient because their stress will become apparent when they look down at you with stern eyes and say “Heel!”

Poor dears. It seems the fresh air and sunshine is a bit too much and suddenly they are unable to distinguish you from a part of their feet. It is interesting to note that dog psychologists used to recommend forging ahead to get away from deranged humans. Today we know that it’s stress that makes them confuse us with their heel.

Next, your master will begin walking in a straight line expecting you to follow closely as if you were stapled to their pants. All this is very odd indeed and your best tactic is to correct this behavior before it gets out of hand – here’s how:

Simply walk a little ahead and remember your master is under a great deal of stress. It is reported that some humans often begin pulling the leash and repeating ‘Heel! Heel!” over and over. Puppies and inexperienced dogs should exercise extreme caution. A human who is out in broad daylight repeating body part words may snap and have to be treated at a clinic.

Remember, training humans to walk slightly behind you is 80% art and 20% science. Once mastered this technique is a sight to behold. Advanced techniques such as the ‘Harley Head Dip’, the ‘Fido Fade-Away’, and the ‘Lucky Leash-Lock’ will take your breath away…. Makes a simple walk in the park look like a ballet!