Puppy is Refusing to Sit

LuvMyBabies · Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2005 12:49 pm Post subject: Puppy is Refusing to Sit

Every Tuesday evening William goes to obedience training and is doing very well. This past Tuesday, there was another class going on at the same time and there was a VERY distressed beagle puppy in the other class. He was so vocal that the dogs in our class were all very upset. William refused to do anything that night and stood there with his ears back and his tail tucked between his legs.

Now, whenever I give the sit command or even let him see the clicker he runs and hides! I think it must have something to do with class this week but I don't know how to get him past it.

Any suggestions?

LuvMyBabies · Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2005 1:40 pm Post subject:

Can anyone help me out with this? As soon as he hears anything that sounds like "sit" to him, he tucks his tail and slinks away. I'm not sure what to do.

Nik · Member Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 258 Location: UK

Hmm, does sound like something's traumertised him.

Maybe you'll have to retrain the 'sit' command. You can actually use any word or tone of voice and aslong as he does what you want it'll get his confidence back. How about try without the clicker? Are you still at the 'click and treat' stage? If he's still getting treats for sitting just try without the clicker. Hold the treat in your hand, have him walk beside you then stop abruptly, in a nice, happy voice say 'sit' and lift the treat from his nose back and up so his butt hits the floor.

I never tried this technique but I've used it on other dogs and it's worked every time.

Of course, as ever, it's the release command and loads of praise that makes them want to do it again.

Good Luck!

Jamiya · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 5593

How are things going? If you are still having this problem, you need to have him associate the clicker with good things. Just take it out and hold it and when he approaches you on his own, give him treats. Work up to actually clicking it and then treat each time. Once he is used to it again, start with commands but try to make it all very low key.

LuvMyBabies · Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 10:33 pm Post subject:

We have actually started back at square one with him. If he thinks he will get a treat he sits (as long as we don't say the word). Also, he had been trained to go to his mat which we took with us when visiting or going to the vet and he will still go to the mat with no problem as long as the clicker is not involved.

I will keep you updated as to his progress.

Jamiya · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 5593

You could use "plant it" instead of "sit". Very Happy

Nik · Member Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 258 Location: UK

Samsintentions · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 4268 Location: Texas

LOL!!!

Kabuki is sooo sensitive. Her Emotions are very sensitive. the slightest tone change in our voices and she gets nervous.

I've learned to cope with it and shes getting better. I've never "hit" her or anything. But I have"popped" her on the butt with a switch for chewing . All it takes is ONE time and she learned. Now all I have to do is say "EEERT!" sternly and she knows.

It was hard teaching her sit. So I taught her silent commands using my hands only. Its very useful also since she's going to be a therapy dog anyhow!!!

Jamiya · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 5593

Bonnie is sensitive also. I taught her to not go down the stairs by saying UH UH really loud when she got near them. She learned after the first time.

Nala is another matter. I could probably set off a canon and she would be at my side in 3 seconds wondering what it was and if I would do it again.

Samsintentions · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 4268 Location: Texas

ha ha ha.. sounds just like Precious. I swear the dog will do something bad, then look at me as if to say... "Now whatcha gonna do bout it!"

Sometimes i just want to ring her neck...then I remind myself that I have to be smarter than the dog!

Jamiya · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 5593

Samsintentions · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 4268 Location: Texas

Let me tell ya. That dog looks for things to do. and they're not all bad things that she does. But I swear. She'll go get something that she's not supposed to have, and bring it to ME and then chew on it or play with it!!! then stop and look at me. I've found that the best punishment is to ignor her or walk away when she brings me something bad. Then she's like..huh... this isn't fun and gets bored and walks off!!!

I'd think Kabuki would be the bad one, but she's not!!
If you look on my web page on the "My Place" page. You'll see their feeder I built so they didn't eat off the ground and to help prevent bloat. Its not in ruins. THey chewed it to toothpicks!!!!