Sit Means Sit Hawaii Newsletter
| May 2010
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What's Going On
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We want to extend our thanks to Rose, of U.H.I.B. ABKC Club & Kale, of K-9 Kokua for a great Super Bully Even on Oahu, where we were able to provide a center stage Sit Means Sit demonstration at the Aloha stadium. |
Dear Dog Lovers,,
May is a perfect month to get out and walk your dog. Check out our feature article on how to conquer "leash pulling".
A well behaved Hapa
Border Collie-
Australian Shepherd  |
This is arguably one of the most popular challenges we all face with our dogs when on a lead. Our goal remains to continually share ways to enhance your relationship with your dog. Like each of you, we love our dogs and only want the best for them.
Happy Training and Aloha,
Scott
 Scott Sanchez
President
Sit Means Sit Hawaii
Vice President Research & Development
Sit Means Sit Franchise Inc.
  
As seen on Animal Planet, The Outdoor Channel, EPSN
Please call us with your questions 808 283-DOGS
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Leash Pulling...
Learning The Benefits Of The "Circle Of Success"
By Scott Sanchez
| "My dog pulls on the leash" is one of the most common habits dog owners experience. When we are able to keep the dog within a two foot radius on our side, this produces a loose leash gate and ultimately leads to off leash heeling enjoyment. Setting the dog up for success begins with the implementation of using the leash as a guide rather than a correction. Assuming the dog has an entry level comprehension of the language of the SMS collar, you may incorporate it as well. We suggest initially the following be present: a straight line section of fence or wall 25'-50', leash, flat collar and an array of place boards that will now act as simple targets for the dog and a calm demeanor on the handlers behalf.
 When teaching your dog any new skill, the levels of simplicity and clarity of the picture presented to the dog, can either induce a quick learning curve or cause frustration. Therefore, assume nothing and start by presenting as few exit choices as possible. Then as the dog displays skill comprehension, slowly introduce options (exits, distractions and duration) and continue your progressions. Our tendency is to get greedy and move too quickly in the progression, which leaves gaping holes, and then we have to start all over again. By policing ourselves with our speed of advancements and achieving success at each phase of the skill, we are best ensuring the dogs ability to generate a successful outcome. Basically, when we are too greedy and move too fast, we almost always end up going backwards and having to start over.
As you line up with the dog on your left side and the fence/wall on the dogs left side, simply give your heel command in concert with your SMS collar and then step forward with your left leg. Continue walking in a straight line and slow as you approach your target, coming to a complete stop and landing the dog directly on the target.  The goal is that the dog will stop inline with you and come into a sit position. Be mindful to be smooth with your walking pace for your starts and stops. Abrupt starts or stops, can throw the dogs timing off, thereby, presenting an unclear picture of exactly what you want he or she to learn to do. Using the leash as needed with steady pressure as a gentle guide, can also make the picture clearer for the dog. As the dog learns he or she will "explore" the boundaries and may step off the target before the next command is given. When this happens, simply do a U turn and bring them back onto the target (this same action will apply when you advance to the street without targets and fences). We do not have a "hissy fit" when dog breaks the command, we simply start over in EVERY case! The progression we use (1) begins with the fence and targets, (2) we remove the targets and then only use the fence (3) move away from the fence incorporating the targets again, and then advancing to the street. The final progression begins at step one, only without the leash and only using your SMS collar.
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Images Of Success
 
Joni Mills with Sandy & Winston Farnsworth Ohana
placing at Baldwin Beach with Lili & Mr. Beck
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Trainer's Quick Tip:
Does Your Dog Know "Sit" As A Skill Or Pattern?
| A lot of us get a false sense of security thinking our dog understands a command, but in reality, they may truly understand things as a pattern verses a skill that is attained by a verbal command. For example 99% of us always say our dog knows the basics such as come, sit and down. A sample testing for this would be for you to sit on the ground and turn your back to your dog and tell him to "sit." What this has done is totally change the normal picture you present to your dog, because unknowingly to us, we provide all kinds of body language cues for the dog to follow, to eventually execute the "sit" command.
 You have heard us share with you in the past, that once the dog knows the skill, that it's always good to proof your dog, by changing the picture you present to them when giving them a command. You can even go so far as to leave the room and give the dog a "sit" command. Chances are that the dog will seek you out first and if you do not repeat the command, they will forget why they came to you in the first place. Set them up for success by working with a training partner, your SMS collar and long line, to ensure that even at a blind distance, the command can be completed without your presence. Once the dog hears the command and is then guided through the skill, in almost all cases, learning and proficiency begin to show up quickly. Enjoy the video!
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This Month, Sit Means Sit Hawaii Recommends:
Salty Dog Pet Grooming Salon
| Salty Dog Pet Grooming Salon provides professional grooming for dogs & cats in an air conditioned salon. Personality cuts & hand scissoring are their specialty. They are professional with a caring touch!
Call Georgia Norton at: 249.2525.
For more information and directions to Salty Dog Pet Grooming Salon, CLICK HERE
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"Rico Suave Place...Good Place" Check out Sit Means Sit Hawaii Facebook each day for the month
of May, to see where Min Pin Chihuahua, Rico Suave, "places"
next.  Not only see "where's Rico,"but post pictures of your dog placing!
If you have any trouble posting your pictures, please send them to:
erinsitmeanssithawaii@gmail.com
To become a fan of Sit Means Sit Hawaii on Facebook, simply click on the badge to begin:
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Sit Means Sit Hawaii Testimonials
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"I found that at a very stressful time in my life I needed help with my dogs, and I got all of that and more with Scott...Thank you guys for being there and helping me to leap from being a dog owner/lover to being and educated dog trainer. A really big step in leading the pack"
"We now have the tools to use for our beautiful dog so that he can enjoy the outdoors with us."
"It has made me in control of my dog. Before I signed up with Scott, my dog was totally out of control"
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Photo Of The Month
  
Rhonda & Makai
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| Sit Means Sit Hawaii BONUS Program
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BONUS
PROGRAM
REFER FRIENDS & FAMILY MEMBERS TO:
When you refer friends and family members
who purchase a Sit Means Sit program,
you will receive
$25.00
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