2.    Begin clicking then paying once for every 2 or 3 times the dog sits.  Keep him guessing as to when you will click.  ALWAYS pay after you click.

3.    Think “random” not “constant”.    Be a slot machine instead of a soda dispenser.  Like a slot machine, you sometimes click then pay one treat, two treats or a jackpot of treats.  Sometimes, you do not click or pay with treats, but praise your dog and play with him to let him know what he did pleased you. You want to get your dog “addicted” to playing your game. 

4.    Take it on the road.  Go out to new places and practice.  Friend’s houses, the backyard, on walks, the vet office, the pet store… everywhere!

5.    Dogs don’t generalize well.  You may need to go back to paying every time when you first venture out, as dogs who perform well in your living room may be lost in other places.  However, the more you practice in new places, the faster they catch on and the more solid they become.

6.    Remember, even when a slot machine doesn’t “pay out” it still provides entertainment, be sure to praise and play with your dog!

When you like the behavior you are getting, are paying on a variable schedule and have practiced in lots of places, you should be ready to add the cue.  

NEXT MONTH!

How to add a cue!