When you set out to train your dog, you have in mind a training plan that includes the list of specific
commands and associated behaviors that you intend to train your dog. For example, when you command "Sit,"
you want your dog to plant her behind and both front paws squarely on the ground while remaining at your
left side, her right shoulder parallel to your left knee.
You've now determined the basic parameters for your dog's behaviors when you give the "Sit" command.
You might also require that the dog remain
quiet while sitting, and that she not move her head more than two inches to left or right. She may not
press her body into you, and she can't shuffle forward or backwards, left or right. That's a
fairly rigorous list of behavioral requirements that you require your dog to perform when she hears your "Sit"
command.
Your training goal, each time you command "Sit," is that your dog will always sit as just described. You
require consistent, reliable, readily identifiable behaviors in response to your "Sit" command. Fair enough.
Now let's address your behavioral parameters. What behaviors are you required to produce each time you give the
"Sit" command? After all, team training includes both dog and handler. We can't expect to achieve
successful team training and performance if only one-half of the team is responding to the obedience command and
complying with the desired behaviors.
After you have determined the behavioral parameters that you will require for your dog's consistent and
reliable obedience behavior when you command "Sit," and before you pick up that pouch of treats -- determine
your behavioral parameters. Identify all of the behaviors that you will consistently and reliably perform
each and every time you command "Sit." Your repertoire of consistent behaviors becomes your command presence; how
you communicate with your dog verbally and, most importantly, non-verbally.
Let's take a quick look at a summary comparison of some of the behavioral parameters that
would be expected of your team during the "Sit" (keeping in mind that the behaviors listed below are only a
sampling of the many behaviors that you and your dog would sequentially perform while you generate the formal sit).
| CANINE BEHAVIORAL PARAMETERS |
HANDLER BEHAVIORAL PARAMETERS |
- vertically lowers rear end
- plants behind on the floor
- maintains both front paws squarely on the ground
- positions right shoulder parallel to handler's left knee
- remains at handler's left
- maintains silence (doesn't bark)
- holds head upright
- maintains slack lead
- maintains forward focus
- maintains 3 inches of space between right shoulder and handler's left leg
- maintains contact with floor without movement front, back, left or right
|
- always sets the dog up for a successful "Sit"
- vocalizes the command "Sit" in a consistent manner
- places feet in consistent manner upon commanding "Sit"
- keeps shoulders straight
- keeps knees parallel
- holds leash in left hand at hip
- maintains consistent length of leash
- maintains slack lead
- maintains steady breathing
- maintains neutral expression on face
- has reward at the ready
- remains silent
- maintains focus on the dog
- maintains 3 inches of space between right shoulder and handler's left leg
- maintains contact with floor without movement front, back, left or right
- consistently marks behavior as it occurs
- consistently rewards behavior as it occurs
|
By analyzing the "Sit" in this fashion, we come to understand that any
obedience command involves a series of cascading behaviors for the dog and the handler. As we see in this
comparison, the act of successfully sitting doesn't just happen in a vacuum;
there are countless behavioral components that can play a critical role in successfully generating a
specific desired behavior. When all of those components are played out consistently by both parties,
the team achieves the same consistent result.
If your goal is your dog's reliable and consistent "Sit," you must proactively build
your dog's behaviors from the ground up with your reliable and consistent "Sit." No,
touching your behind to the floor isn't one of your behaviors. But you are indeed performing a
formal "Sit." The specific behaviors that you perform, guided by your
consistent command presence, become your highly influential contribution to your team's mutually successful sit.
When you practice what you preach, and perform your own consistent behaviors every time you give an obedience
command to your dog, you make it so much easier for your dog to model your exemplary obedience.
The more reliable your behaviors are, the more reliable your dog's behaviors will be.
The more consistent your command presence, the more consistent your dog's obedience.
The more reliable and consistent you are, the more quickly your dog will respond to your
clear and unambiguous command presence, accept your reassuringly steadfast leadership, and consistently and reliably
follow your lead.
You'll find additional training articles in the NorthWest K9 Reading Room.
Information about private team training programs is found in our Client Training
department.
