THE DREADED SIT/DOWN GROUP STAY PROBLEMS

It has to be the worst problem in obedience training.  The dog that lays down on the sit as soon as the handler is out of sight.  Or the Novice dog who, comes to its handler rather than staying.  Here are some ideas to fix the problem;

• If you are just starting to train group sits and downs, make sure that any corrections are done by the class leader.  Consider that from the dogs point of view in competition, there is always a person who is out their watching (the judge) so thinking that that person may step in to correct is not a bad thought on the dogs part.

• Make the correction mean something!  One good correction where the dog understands that you are displeased with the breaking of the exercise when you are practicing alone, is far better and more effective than continuously taking the dog back to the spot you left it in.  From the dogs perspective there is nothing lost by breaking again, and it gains your attention.  Dogs will seek that in a positive or negative way.

• Random reinforcement.  Especially for out of sight sits and downs, practice coming back to your dog, offering a treat and reinforcing the stay when you leave again.  Make sure that you do this purely on a random basis so your dog does not learn to count time.

• Light lines.  A lot of dogs are too smart for this, but it is an option to try.  Start leaving your dog on the sit/down with the regular leash on.  Graduate to a short lead and finally to a light line.  Get a piece of string that you can gradually cut down to nothing.

• Run-throughs.  Find every opportunity in your area to get your dog out in strange places to practice the group sits/downs.  Many clubs offer monthly run-throughs for a small fee that is much cheaper than your AKC entry fee.  You can even organize a get-together with friends at a parking lot for plenty of distraction and no cost.

• Relieve stress.  If your dog is breaking due to anxiety, find a way to de-stress the dog.  Most dogs have a spot that when you rub it, will instantly relax them.  Commonly this is the back of the ear.  As you enter the ring and are lining up for the group exercise, this is a perfect time to give your dog its de-stress rub and tell them what a good dog they are.

• Facial expressions.  Many dogs will react to facial expressions they see on their handler, especially in Novice competition.  Find what works for your dog.  Is it a smile, a frown, or do you need to look away so that your dog does not react.  Sometimes staring at a dog during this exercise causes them to be submissive and they will drop because of the eye contact.

Food for thought.  Good Luck!  And here’s hoping for blue ribbons to come your way!

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