Yes he can!

Although I was a bit premature when it came to saluting him for being completely potty trained. (We’ve had some accidents since my last blog entry). He is mainly doing well though. He is still developing quickly and is now mastering the "SIT" command.

Last night we spent some minutes rehearsing the “SIT” command. We actually started two days ago, but in his eagerness to have the treat instantly the outcome was not great. Instead of sitting down on his bottom he would rather stand on two legs, so much easier for a tiny dog with bunny legs! Teaching your dog to sit demands patience, and yesterday I was rewarded. He can sit on command hooray! We will continue to practice the command in different environments before we start on a new command. Next will be the “down” command.

Here is how we have been practicing the “sit” command (very efficient). Teaching your dog to sit is a good place to start the training because it’s a natural posture. Just remember that when your dog has more or less learned a command, don't give him a food treat every time he gts it right. Give him a treat every second time, or evry third time, or every fifth time. This makes the a dog learn faster because he's never sure when you are going to give him a treat. Never phase out treats completely and always give plenty of praise and petting.

Here is what you should do:

• Equip yourself with a treat. Hold it between your thumb, index and third fingers with your palm facing upwards.
• Call your dog. Puppies learn their names really quickly and he should come over to investigate.
• Show the dog you have a treat in your hand. Hold it in front of his nose. Let him snit it, lick it, paw it, but don’t let him have it.
• At this stage, don’t utter a command or say anything at all.
• Eventually, your dog will sit (this took some time for Melvin). Now here is where you need split second timing. You have to catch that action and reward it on the spot. Give him the treat, and praise him.
• Repeat the same procedure two more times. Wait for the action, catch it, give him the treat and praise him.
• The next step is to put in the vocal cue and signal. As your dog is in the act of sitting, say SIT and raise your wrist slightly. Repeat this five to ten times.
• Finally ask your dog to SIT, using the hand signal, before he has even started to sit. Repeat the same sequence five to ten times.
• If he doesn’t SIT when you ask him to, don’t repeat the command. Take the treat immediately out of reach, removing it up to shoulder level, and say UH OH! Wait a couple of seconds and try again.
• Always give lots of praise after a session.