I worked with Zinnia on her “stay” this morning it’s going well, but she still doesn’t have the attention span necessary to really internalize the command. We both did well today, but in training dogs, the elephant in the room is always me and my patience.
I need to spot Zinnia losing interest and stop. She’s good for about three minutes right now, but on the whole, I’m really pleased with the progress we are making.
I just need to make sure to keep the sessions short and fun, not long and tedious. We are so close. Come and ssee.
You both are brilliant but what has happened to the command SIT? You are using StAY for it as well as for it’s actual meaning. Then towards the end of the session you introduce SiT DOWN
No criticism but watching from the outside it’s easier to spot. Zinnia is the brightest most willing little pup I have ever seen, so let’s keep it more straightforward for her.
Sometimes I use hand signals Erika, could to train her for both, especially in therapy work…it’s always good to mix it up..
She’s doing really well!
I think she is doing famously, Jon. And I also noticed, as Erika mentioned, that you are mixing it up (as it were) and saying sit down, rather than merely *sit*……. however……… she seems bright and willing enough to understand that as long as the word SIT is in the command, she will obey. I think the hand signals are good and will be a true asset in her therapy work. I love the fact that you fully grasp her attention span, and always make it a positive by being patient and not *allowing* her to fail. I think you both (LOL) are doing very, very well! I’m impressed!
Susan M
Jon, I’ve loved watching you train all of your dogs. You are so calm, gentle and so focused. As you’ve said, you really do create an environment for the dog to succeed. It is a joy to watch Zinnia!