Week 1 Molded Sit

 Equipment needed:  6' Leather Lead (or slip lead or transitional lead), Training Collar (or slip lead or transitional lead)

Explanation and Goal of Exercise: This method of molding the dog into position teaches the dog to allow our hands to mold and manipulate various parts of their body. The handler is also teaching themselves how to determine if a dog's muscles are relaxed with trust OR tense with distrust. Additionally, it is possible to detect a physical problem by touch as you mold your dog into a sit (and then see your veterinarian before continuing). This also prepares your dog to sink into a sit readily when given the correction later on (if the correction is even necessary). A sit is when your dog's upper torso is upright, front leg(s) on the ground/floor, and the bottom area is on the ground.

NOTE 1:   Days 1-2, no command at all.   Days 3-4 command only when the dog's bum hits the ground.   Days 5-6 command before performance, but if the dog does not initiate (wait one second) and then immediately mold the dog into a sit.

STEP 1:   Start moving with your dog on the leash by simple walking or in a heel if you have been trained how to do that.

STEP 2:  Your left hand will hold the leash, transfer to your right hand (grasp near snap bolt on collar), left hand is free for step 3.

STEP 3: Stroke with your left hand slowly from your dog's shoulders, down their back, and when your hand reaches the bottom area at the hip bones, have your hand so your thumb is on one side and your fingers are on the other in a claw-like grip.

STEP 4:  WAIT AND DO NOT PUSH DOWN, until your dog goes into a sit themselves.  It should feel somewhat like ice cream melting under your hand.

STEP 5:   When your dog reaches the sit position, you can say "good boy or girl" if you want to praise your dog.  Then calmly stroke them 5 times down the back.

NOTE 2:   Be sure your dog is not leaning up against you.   There should be space between you and your dog during the molding period and later commands.   Also, do not confuse "good boy/girl" with the release word.   You want your dog still in position during and after a "good boy".

STEP 5:  Give your dog the release word.   The marker word that I use for release is “yes”.


Repeat this for one hundred reps a day (usually 20 minutes).  If your dog is bracing, you can just cap your practice at 20 minutes.  You can break this up into 4 sessions of 25 reps OR 4 sessions of 5 minutes (or 2 sessions of 10 minutes) if you would like.

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