Stubborn Puppy

by Christine
(Gettysburg, PA)

Ollie comes when he's called, and he's house trained. So I know he isn't stupid. He's trainable. He turns 5 months old this month. I'm having a hard time with the command "sit". I've had dogs in the past, I've trained them myself. The easiest trick in the world, is "sit". I tried putting the treat over his head so he would end up in a sitting position to see the treat. Didn't work. I've tried pushing on his butt to put him in the sit position, he won't go down (he's a strong little bugger). If I persist, he will find a corner and stand there, face first and ignore everyone and everything around him. How male of him!...lol, j/k
I gave up on "sit" and moved on to "paw". That trick he likes, and he's learning.
Long story, I know, I'm sorry. Here is the question: How do I get Ollie to sit on command? He's not food motivated, so I've just been praising him up and down when he does something right. Does anyone out there have any suggestions?
Thanks for your help.
Chris

Comments for
Stubborn Puppy

Click here to add your own comments

Nov 27, 2010
 Sitting problem?
by: Jen

I had this same problem with Stella (at 14 weeks). She would NOT "sit" for me, even after we'd been working on it for awhile, and I couldn't figure it out. I took our "training" sessions to the bed one day, instead of the hardwood floor, just for a change of pace, especially since she's not normally allowed on our bed. She sat right away! I finally realized after a little experimentation that she didn't want to "sit" for me on the hardwood floor because her butt slides backward! Sounds weird but that seems to be the case. We're still working on it but putting her on a rug or towel does the trick. Good luck!
Oct 27, 2010
 Stubborn Ollie
by: Crystle

Is he completely NOT food modivated? Have you tried something REALLY yummy. Like a peice of steak, or fried chicken?

Have you ever watched victoria stilwell? She holds a treat up, close to the puppy and waits til he sits. Then gives him the treat(without the command). Then starts adding in the command when he sits on his own. Then tries just sit.

Also it might be the word. My boy, Baxter, smart little devil. Learned sit in 2 days. Lay on the other hand, he wouldnt get. 3 weeks later when I was ready to give up I changed the word "lay" to "down" and he got it in 3 days. Sometimes dogs just dont like certain words.

Also make sure if your getting frustrated to just tell him hes a good boy and walk away. Because if your frustrated he will feed off of that energy.

:) Hope this helps!
May 21, 2009
 Sitting Around
by: Mary

You might want to try asking him to sit for everything. If you crate-train, let him out of the crate and say "sit", before he gets to go or do ANYTHING. Going to the door to go potty?...make him sit first. Is he ready to eat now?...make him sit first, then put the bowl down. Is he thirsty?...yep, sit first. He should get hungry after a while and go ahead and sit. Mine sit just fine...it is the "STAY" that I have trouble with. They sit their behind down and then it pops right back up...all in one motion. Well, at least they sit first. We are working on the "STAY". Good luck to you!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Forum - Training a Boston Terrier