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Front and Finish
Front and finishes are hard to master with many dogs.
I have had the greatest success using white fences placed
close together in a tunnel formation. If the dog finishes
wide, add a fence in back of you to ensure closer finishes.
Praise much, because soon the dog will be doing this
without the fences. The key is that you are pleased
and you are showing the dog how to do the exercise himself,
not just because the fences are there. Later on, you
can replace the fences with two to four short white
sticks as training aids for you and your dog.
Special problems
The short legged animal of course can sink very quickly
into a sit when you really want him to stand. Loop the
lead across the back and under the hindquarters in a
half hitch fashion. You can then gently hold the dog
in a standing position (do not jerk the lead). Praise
constantly.
In summary the so called hard to train breeds are
not that hard to train. It just takes the same patience
and consistency as with any dog, and a little ingenuity
and a bit more time. Always finish on a positive note,
even if it means going back to the dog's best exercise
and repeating it for success, playing with the dog,
and/or giving it a special treat. And... treats do not
have to be food, it can just simply be something special
to the dog... a ride in the car, or a good cuddle in
its favorite spot.
* unusual or difficult meaning a dog
not typically seen in obedience very often, i.e., basset,
afghan hound, dachund, bull terrier, Newfoundland, siberian
husky, pekinese, etc.
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Reprinted with permission by Bonnie Tetlock
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