Dear Adam:
I bought your book about two
weeks ago. Finally, someone has written a training book that
makes sense. Good Job...bet it took a lot of time to put all of
it together, huh?
The reason I am writing to you is because I am
confused about some things that deal with teaching the down/stay
and sit/stay. Tell me if this sounds like I have it right:
First, teach her (the dog) how to do the command doing
repetitions and placing her in the correct position immediately
after saying the command. Then, working up to the point you can
just stand up straight and have her respond.
Next, work
up distance and time then add distractions and practice in
different places.
Finally, go to the long line and then
the tab to get reliability off-leash.
[Adam:] Actually,
you should start proofing for distractions first, then move to
greater distances... but only progress to greater distances with
the long line. Without the long line, guess what might happen?
This is how I understand the process from what I have read in
your book.
Should I move on to the next step once my dog
performs the command quickly and correctly for one training
session or keep drilling her without adding something new?
[Adam:] It's going to take much more than one training session.
When the dog learns something, it's situational. So you're going
to have to work the same exercise... at the same point in the
program... in several different locations before you're ready to
move onto the next step.
During proofing, is it okay to
add distractions during the dogs learning phase after the dog
does the command for me a couple of times correctly without
being corrected?
[Adam:] You're confusing two things. Is
the dog in the learning phase, or is he in the proofing phase?
The two are very distinct. Do not move onto one phase until
you've mastered the other.
Here is the order: Learning
phase - reinforcement phase - proofing phase.
How long
does it take the "average" dog to be taught a new command and
proofed in it?
[Adam:] This is impossible to answer. It
depends upon the trainer, the dog, the exercise, the setting,
how frequently the dog is worked, etc... You let the dog tell
you when it's time. This is why reading your dog is so
important. It takes as long as it takes.
Do you teach the
down/stay and sit/stay in one session or separately?
[Adam:] Separately.
In what order should I teach my dog
new commands?
[Adam:] Walk on a loose leash, boundary and
perimeter training, sit-stay, down-stay, heel, then come. The
order that you teach commands is not written in stone, but I
find that doing it this way allows for a very natural flow and
learning progression.
Sorry my letter is so long...any instruction you
can give me is greatly appreciated...oh, by the way I really
like the book.
Thank you ;)
Sincerely,
Brandee
N.
That's all for now, folks!
Adam
About the Author:
Adam G. Katz is the
author of the book, "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An
Insider's Guide To The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training
Secrets In History." Get a free copy of his report "Games To
Play With Your Dog" when you sign up for his free weekly dog
training tips e-zine at:
http://www.dogproblems.com