Dog Training Tips from Caitlin Crittenden
Caitlin Crittenden, a professional dog trainer, has been recommended by 1133 dog owners. She addressed Hanne’s query by explaining that the “Stand” command can indeed be taught to dogs. A helpful video with instructions can be found at this link. Similar to training for “Down” and “Sit”, one can train their dog to “Stand” from a distance, for extended periods, and amidst distractions to ensure a reliable “Stand-Stay”.
Once the dog understands the “Stand” command, they should be told to “Stay” while the owner practices moving away and coming back, correcting the dog’s position if necessary. This should be done progressively, as with the “Sit” command. Additionally, the dog should be trained to “Sleep” while the owner stands further away, increasing the distance by a foot each time the command is successfully followed from the current distance.
If the dog attempts to sit, the owner can either quickly reposition the dog into the “Stand” or use a leash rigged under the dog’s belly as a reminder to stay standing. This leash method is an effective training tool until the dog masters the “Stand”. Later, when the dog is ready to perform “Sit” or “Down” from the “Stand” position, the leash can be removed.
Another technique involves looping a fifty-foot leash around the dog’s abdomen, running it around a tree, and back to the owner. This creates a pulley system that allows the owner to gently remind the dog to stand and to prevent the dog from moving towards the owner before following the “Sit”, “Stand”, or “Down” commands.
Caitlin wishes Hanne the best of luck with the training.
Date: December 17, 2018
Update from Hanne
Hanne expresses gratitude to Caitlin for the useful advice. Hanne reports that they have progressed from training “stand” to combining “stand + stay + sit and stay at a distance”, using both whistle and hand signals. Initially, the dog was perplexed by the “stand” command, displaying eagerness and anticipation to please, often defaulting to sitting—a common expectation for dogs. After about ten days of consistent practice, for 5-10 minutes once or twice daily, the dog mastered the entire routine.
The subsequent challenge was to teach the dog to “sit + stay” at a distance without the preceding drill, during spontaneous situations where the dog was already at a distance and not preoccupied with other activities. This was successfully achieved three times over three days by capitalizing on moments when the dog was attentive to Hanne. Hanne was pleased with the results and plans to continue practicing.
The next goal is for the dog to respond appropriately, by sitting and waiting, even when distracted or engaged in natural behaviors, such as chasing. Hanne recounts an incident where the dog chased a cat and ended up on the opposite side of the road, fixated in the direction the cat had vanished. In this scenario, Hanne wishes the dog would sit and wait rather than risk crossing the road again. Hanne had to intervene by stopping traffic but recognizes the importance of teaching the dog to halt mid-chase or, ideally, to not chase animals at all. Hanne is interested in advice on how to achieve this level of training.
Best regards, Hanne
