Teach Your Dog Commands In This Order
Adam Katz
Dear Adam:
I bought your book about two weeks ago. Finally, someone has
written a training book that makes sense. Good Job...bet it took
a lot of time to put all of it together, huh?
The reason I am writing to you is because I am confused about
some things that deal with teaching the down/stay and sit/stay.
Tell me if this sounds like I have it right:
First, teach her (the dog) how to do the command doing
repetitions and placing her in the correct position immediately
after saying the command. Then, working up to the point you can
just stand up straight and have her respond.
Next, work up distance and time then add distractions and
practice in different places.
Finally, go to the long line and then the tab to get reliability
off-leash.
[Adam: ] Actually, you should start proofing for distractions
first, then move to greater distances but only progress to
greater distances with the long line. Without the long line,
guess what might happen?
[He continues: ] This is how I understand the process from what
I have read in your book.
Should I move on to the next step once my dog performs the
command quickly and correctly for one training session or keep
drilling her without adding something new?
[Adam: ] It's going to take much more than one training
session. When the dog learns something, it's situational. So
you're going to have to work the same exercise at the same point
in the program in several different locations before you're ready
to move onto the next step.
[ He continues: ] During proofing, is it okay to add
distractions during the dogs learning phase after the dog does
the command for me a couple of times correctly without being
corrected?
[Adam: ] You're confusing two things. Is the dog in the
learning phase, or is he in the proofing phase? The two are very
distinct. Do not move onto one phase until you've mastered the
other.
Here is the order: Learning phase-- reinforcement phase--
proofing phase.
[He continues: ] How long does it take the "average" dog to be
taught a new command and proofed in it?
[Adam: ] This is impossible to answer. It depends upon the
trainer, the dog, the exercise, the setting, how frequently the
dog is worked, etc You let the dog tell you when it's time.
This is why reading your dog is so important. It takes as long
as it takes.
[ He continues: ] Do you teach the down/stay and sit/stay in one
session or separately?
[Adam: ] Separately.
[ He continues: ] In what order should I teach my dog new
commands?
[Adam: ] Walk on a loose leash, boundary and perimeter training,
sit-stay, down-stay, heel, then come. The order that you teach
commands is not written in stone, but I find that doing it this
way allows for a very natural flow and learning progression.
[ He continues: ] Sorry my letter is so long...any instruction
you can give me is greatly appreciated...oh, by the way I really
like the book. Thank you ;)
Sincerely,
Brandee N.
-Adam.
www.Dogproblems.com
Copyright 2002 By Dogproblems.com All Rights Reserved.
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