AKC CDX help

[Wolfmother]

So I am working toward my dog's CDX title. We NQ'd at a couple trials now. The reasons were the broad jump and laying down during the sit. I figured out that if I use the hand signal for the broad jump, she will go over it reliably now so I am in good shape there.

That leaves the sit/stay. I have been working on the sit the same way I did the down stay, but it doesn't seem to be helping much. Anyone have any tips on teaching your dog to hold the sit in the sit stay?

[BlackPuppy]

I think that you need some show n goes or other simulated trial where the trainer pretending to be a judge can intervene for you.

I'm not doing CDX, but in our CD training, that's what worked for Balto. He moved one foot and would have downed, but I said NO and the trainer came over to him and tapped the foot that moved with her foot.

I have a feeling I'll also be having this problem if we move on to Open. I'm open to other suggestions.

I guess also a lot of sit stays in the back yard. For you , is it only at trials this happens?

[Wolfmother]

It is such a huge step going from Novice to Open. Another problem I saw was a few dogs have say up during the down. It's funny, I never had this problem with the CD. Guess because I was right in front of her. I can't say that I blame her for lying down-it is much more comfortable. I just wish she would at least give me 3 times of holding it.

[suden]

How are you working on the out of sight sit stay during training?
One thing that really works is to place pieces of hot dogs/treats on the front feet. They learn to sit no matter what else is happening.
Correct for going for the treat at first-the reward of course is the treat at the release. When the dog is sitting without bothering the treats-work on out of sight-build the time up slowly and a lot of different times-30 sec-1 min-45 secs-so the dog never knows when you will return. Remember the reward is for sitting-walk back to the dog-reward-Good sit-walk away-come back-good sit-always wait at least 3 seconds before you release the dog.
mix it up-do random sit stays-reward the sit-not the stay we never use the word stay-sit means sit until I return-down -means down until I return.
Remember to keep it fun so the dog does not get bored.

Vikki

[Wolfmother]

I like the idea of using the food on their front feet. It will be a very difficult challange for my chow-hound.

I also train my dog in Schutzhund so I do the same as you-no stay....sit means sit until I give you another command.

In training, I have mostly been working on staying in sight so I can correct her if she lays down. I do return to her to praise/reward randomly. I just started going out of sight with a helper watching to let me know if she goes down. I then go back and put her in the sit again. I will keep at it and keep it random. She is very smart and picks things up so easily so that is why this is frustrating.

[suden]

If you train alone-a trick to do out of sight sit stays. Use a corner of a building and watch the shadow of your dog. With you around the corner(on leash) you can see if she starts to lay down by her shadow. Or use a Shut. Blind for cover. The ones with a peep hole are great.

Vikki

[Samba]

go back, build success. I do downs first in practice so the dog does not get used to going down after sit and then the last thing we will have done is a sit that is highly rewarded.
When having the dog down, I do it from a stand, not a sit.

You can go back to the time frame the dog is successful at and build from there. Come back in frequently and remind "good sit" and reward. Make them think you could come back at any time.
I use a raised bed that is small and square for the dogs that tend to lay down. They are less likely to down sitting on their little perch.

It is a big leap from Novice to Open, so it may take more time to build that long sit stay. Don't rush it, don't punish it, reward and remind.

[Deejays_Owner]

Don't do the downs & sits back to back during training

[Kayos and Havoc]

Originally Posted By: Deejays_OwnerDon't do the downs & sits back to back during training

I agree. Mix it up and keep the dog guessing. Build your time out of sight slowly and be variable about the time. Sometimes do a minute, sometims 2 minutes, sometimes 30 seconds. Build up to a 4 minute sit stay on a variable schedule.

This is a hard one. Most everyone has stay problems at some point. Just takes a lot of work and patience. Use mild corrections if needed but if you get overly hard with corrections you will have the opposite effect.

[Wolfmother]

Thanks for all the great suggestions everyone! I have been practicing the stays while in sight and I already see an improvement with that.

Thanks again!