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Browse. Train. Reward with Better Than Ears.
STAND AND STAY
At this stage you will probably agree that obedience training is considerably easier than you thought. Your dog is performing well at "heel," doing a good job at the "sit-stay," and probably is be-ginning to sit automatically (without command) every time you stop. You will also notice that he will stay in position when you move out on your right foot, even without a "stay" command and that he will move with you, without much urging, when you start out on you r left foot.
The scientific term for this phenomena is "conditioned reflex." This isn't important to remember, but it is the principle that makes animal training possible.
If your dog sits every time you halt, he has learned his lessons well. Now, however, we must teach him that he must sit every time you stop EXCEPT when you command him to "stand." To do this, command your dog to "heel," take the leash in your right hand and move several steps forward. Then stop and immediately turn sideways so you are facing the dog. As you do th is say "stand."
Because he has been conditioned to sit when you stop, you must hold your left hand ready to keep him on his feet. Pressure in front of the dog's rear leg or pressure on his stomach will usually keep him in the "stand" position.
Correct the dog as often as necessary repeating the commands "stand" and "stay" as required. When the dog is standing in a comfortable position, give him the "stay" command. Then, starting on your RIGHT foot, move three or four feet in front of your dog, turn around and face him.
As in the "sit-stay" exercise, the dog must not move from his position. If he becomes restless repeat the "stand" and "stay" commands. If he moves go to him immediately and return him to the "stand-stay" position. Let him know that you were not pleased with his performance and tap him on the nose as you leave. Move out several feet and again face your dog. Repeat this until he has successfully completed the exercise. Then, return to him, holding the leash in your left hand, go around the left side of the dog, behind him and then to your position at his right side.
The dog must stand still throughout the entire exercise. When he has successfully completed the exercise, bring him to heel, move forward two or three steps and praise him.
Our experience has been that the "stand" exercise is the most difficult to get across to the dog. If it is true that dogs pattern themselves after their masters, there is a good reason for this difficulty. At least in my case. My dogs must have sensed my own personal laziness and have come to prefer a position that keeps the posterior in a comfortable place.
The next lesson will cover the "down and stay" exercise. It is important that your dog has a good grasp of the other basic commands before going ahead with this session.
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