Premier MannersMinder Instruction Manual page 39

Chapter 9: Rewarding Calm Behavior
When he sits, reach out to pet him. He's used to
Pet Fido only when he's sitting.
getting treats as a reward for sitting and may not
be used to staying seated for an extended period of
time, so expect him to get up immediately or start
wiggling when you start petting. When he does,
immediately withdraw your hand and stand up
straight again so that it's clear that this behavior
was not right. Then when he sits, go to pet him
again.
He may wiggle each time you try to pet him for up
to 10 times or more in a row. If you're strict about
straightening up and removing your attention
If your dog walks off, start by
immediately so that he knows what you want, he
practicing with him on a handsfree
leash, so that you don't give mixed
will, within 10-20 minutes, understand that he
signals by tugging or letting him pull
must stay seated in order to be petted. When you
your arm forward.
do pet him, rub or stroke slowly. This will help keep
him calm.
Some dogs are motivated by so many other things
that as soon as you expect them to sit to earn
something they walk off to focus on something
that's rewarding for free.
They go to sniff a toy or play with the other family
dog. They'll just come back to you later when you'll
lower the price of your praise and petting. In these
cases, you should start by practicing with Fido on
a leash, preferably a handsfree leash (or one tied
Stand stationary when Fido
pulls on the leash.
around your waist or to something stationary in
the house), so that you don't give mixed signals by
tugging on the leash.
Now when Fido goes to walk off, make sure you
stand stationary instead of letting him drag you
with him. He'll pull and tug at his end but if you're
completely still, he'll finally realize he's going
nowhere. Eventually he'll focus his attention again
on you. Wait until he sits on his own, then pet him.
If the whole family sticks to this regime regularly
every time they want to pet him, then Fido will be a
changed canine over-night. He will understand that even when he's maximumly excited,
he has to calm himself and be polite. Have strangers and other guests also practice this
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