Sit Up, Heel & Lie Down - Intermediate Dog Training
Assuming that your little guy is familiar with the Sit command, he is now ready to move forward to the Lie Down command. This Intermediate Training behavior is simple to implement for most dogs and should be easily integrated into his routine.
Choose your treat, command your dog to Sit and move the treat towards the ground. Each time, move the treat a bit closer to the ground prior to allow him to take it. Continue this process without allowing him to move from the Sit position. If he gets up, be patient — this may take a bit of time. After he has mastered the first move, try moving the treat a little farther away but still keeping it on the ground. Now, in order for him to retrieve this goody, he must Lie Down. Now is the time to use the command, “Lie Down”. Be consistent with this technique and eventually fade out the treat.
You must communicate to your dog that pulling on his leash is unacceptable. Good manners are a must and lunging and jumping at other people or pets is simply bad behavior. Begin teaching him to walk next to you by making small circles, walking very slowly. Change from walking to the left to walking to the right. Eventually, there will be total slack in the leash. But hey! Once in a while, allow him to smell the roses. Every dog loves to explore and your baby deserves this treat occasionally.
Training your dog to Sit Up can be utilized only after he has learned the Sit command. Simply hold his favorite treat or food over his head, just so he can reach it from a Sitting position. Condition him to take the treat higher and higher so he must reach for it but still remain in the Sitting position.
Once consistency is in place, hold the treat even higher. He will be unable to take it unless he raises his front paws from the ground. When he does this, use the verbal cue, “Sit Up” and reward him in this position. Eventually, he will become conditioned to this cue and you can start to fade out the treat and use your hand only, still saying, “Sit Up”.
The Intermediate Behaviors Training will be a fun challenge for both you and your dog. Be consistent, patient and gentle with your little guy. He only wants your approval and acceptance.