Sit pretty in various positions: proofing behaviors
749 views · Published 5 November 2011 · 1:10 · Indexed 22 September 2026
Channel: Pam's Dog Academy · 2011 · Pets & Animals
http://www.pamsdogacademy.com http://www.pamsdogtraining.com This is an exercise that you can do to proof or test your dogs understanding of a behavior. A check list so to speak. I never assume that just because my dog knows a behavior that he will be able to do that behavior anywhere at anytime. I cue the behavior and if he does not do the proper behavior, then I ask myself a few questions... Is the environment too distracting? How is he feeling? Maybe his back hurts and sitting pretty is too difficult at that time with a pain in his back. Lastly, I ask myself if I have ever done that behavior in that particular way before? A cue is just a request, it is not a demand! Dogs are not perfect! Humans aren't either! So, if my dogs do not respond to a cue, I reset them (move them) and ask for the behavior again. If they still are not doing the proper behavior and I know 100% that they are not ill and that they know the behavior, then it must be the environment. Any slight change in the environment can cause a dog to NOT respond to a cue. Asking for a behavior that the dog only has done in front of you in the past and now you are asking the dog to do that behavior at your side IS A CHANGE IN THE ENVIRONMENT. It is a change that you might not think of, but it is a change none the less... I personally believe that we need to make sure our dogs are comfortable in the working environment in order to set the dog up to succeed. If the dogs is looking worried or looking around and not able to focus on me or what we are doing, then I simply CHANGE what I am requiring of my dog and work on something calm or let him explore his new environment first to help him feel more secure and confident. There are many forms of stress that a dog will show, so watch your dog and make sure that he is 100% ok and feels safe in the working environment. I once saw a video of a guy working his dog in a dog park and expected him to do all the behaviors which the dog was doing, but the dog was panting, looking around as much as he could without being corrected and highly stressed. My question is WHY??? WHY would someone put their dog through that when they do not have too? Sorry for my rant and rave... I tend to do that... :) Funny things we do when we are in hotels. :) Take care and have a great day!! Pam & Twix
