Now that you are moving on to Intermediate Training, consider teaching your best buddy the Lie Down command. He is quick to Sit on command at this point and the Lie Down behavior is merely a step away.

The Lie Down command is simply a step away from the Sit command. With your dog in the sitting position, take a treat and move it a bit closer to the ground prior to giving it to him. Continue this process, each time moving the treat closer to the ground before allowing him to take it. As you move the treat farther away from him, he must lie down in order to reach the treat. Now is the time to speak the words, “Lie Down.” He may try to get up in order to retrieve his goody but he must remain in the Sit position. Be patient, this may take several tries before he thoroughly understands.

Leash pulling, lunging at other pets or people are examples of ugly behavior. You don’t want this for your little guy. Teach him to stay next to you by walking him in a small area in one direction, keeping the leash slack. Change directions occasionally and eventually he will understand where you are going and that being by your side is a good thing. But, you know by now, that dogs love to sniff and explore. So, give him a little grace from time to time to enjoy his world.

After your little friend is consistent with the Sit behavior, training him to Sit Up is a snap. Choose a bit of food or his favorite treat, hold it over his head while he is in a Sitting position but low enough so that he can reach it. Continue this maneuver but raise the treat a bit higher each time so that he must stretch for it but still remain seated.

Begin to raise the treat even higher at this point. Unless he raises his front paws from the ground, he won’t be able to reach the treat. And when he does this, now is the time to use the verbal cue, “Sit Up.” Once he understands the behavior you are looking for, you can fade out the treat and use only your hand, giving him his cue of “Sit Up.”

Teaching you little pal Intermediate Behaviors is going to be a very rewarding experience, both for you and your dog. Remember, patience is the key and loving and accepting your pet will cause him to want to please you. Enjoy the time you have together.