MMaltese World

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It takes time to teach your dog a new behavior.
Dogs are pack animals and you need to be the pack leader,
training is a great way to establish this.

Many short, fun sessions are best, and ending on succesful note is very important.
Remember, your dog wants to please you.

Teaching the "Sit" command:

* Get your dogs attention by using their name.
* Start out kneeling and progress to standing.
* Hold out a treat. (small piece of a jerky treat.)
* With your dog in front of you, facing you, hold up the treat above your dogs head.
His attention will focus on the treat, command "sit" in a firm voice, while moving the treat back slowly. Your dog will be inclined to sit naturally to keep his attention on the treat, gently back him up by tucking his rear with your free hand and moving the treat to his mouth.
* Give praise "good sit", give plenty of praise, use an excited tone of voice.
* Release your dog from sit by saying O.K. or free dog and rubbing and praising.

TIPS..
* Practice three times each session, give alot of verbal and physical praise.
* Start training when your dog is a little hungry.
* Break treats into very small pieces, about the size of an english pea.

*Gradually reduce the number of treats used, offering praise instead.
* Start using the sit command often, prior to feeding, going out a door, etc.
* Have fun.

You may want to look into some obedience classes, they are a wonderful way to socialize
and train your dog. check with your vet, or the local kennel club for availability.
NOTE: most classes will require puppy to have completed his/her vaccinations
as well as rabies.

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