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Teaching Big Concepts in Small Spaces
Turn and Sit at a Distance
Whether you're teaching the turn and sit at a distance for Go-Outs or teaching it with a whistle for the field, the concept is the same - while moving away from you your dog must turn and face you and sit on cue.
To introduce this concept, have your dog in heel position on your left. Gently hold your dog by the collar with your left hand while you toss a very visible food treat several feet out in front of you. Release your dog with an OK to go and get the treat. As soon as your dog gets the treat and swallows it say your dog's name and SIT. Upon hearing her name your dog should turn and look at you so be sure to quickly follow her name with SIT - there should be no pause between the name and the SIT cue.
Ideally your dog should turn quickly and sit in place, facing you squarely. If your dog begins to move back towards you, quickly step forward towards her and repeat SIT. Your forward movement will stop her forward movement. Ideal results or not, when your dog turns and sits, go back to her, reward and release her. Do not release from a distance and do not call her to you - if you do your dog will think the Turn and Sit is a Turn, Sit, Come to You.
Once your dog has mastered the Turn and Sit at a short distance, begin to add distance. A hallway is a great place to teach this lesson.
If you are teaching the whistle Turn and Sit for the field, after your dog understands the verbal cue and behavior, add the whistle but reduce your distance. Make sure your whistle is in your mouth! Toss the treat and when she goes and swallows it, cue her with a verbal SIT, a short toot on the whistle, and and another verbal SIT. You will gradually fade out the verbal cues and only use your whistle cue.
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