A training tip: Come closer
This is a parlor trick famous with the SitStay Dogs’ audience. Remember Terms of Endearment at the end of the movie when the little girl was sitting by her grandmother? They sat quietly and Grandmother patted the space between them and said, “Come closer. A little closer.” The toddler moved a little closer each time. I love that scene and I taught it to Dancer. Here’s how.
Use clicker training for fastest results. Please make sure that you read a book or watch a DVD (SitStay Clicker Training Materials) before starting clicker training. You will create bad behavior as quickly as good if you don’t know what you’re doing. A word to the wise: When your dog does the trick on your request, stop and do this again later. She has done what you wanted, let her think about it.
You’ll need really yummy dog treats or dinner in bites. I like to teach this trick while I’m sitting down and with one dog at a time. You can stand if you like. Eventually no matter what position you’re in or what position the dog is in, the dog will move closer to you. Remember that after the trick is learned, you do not need a treat each time. Praise is a fantastic reward.
Give three threats: One, two, three. Quiet voice, please. Pat your thigh or belly and at the same time say, “Come closer.” Your dog will probably look at your hand or your eyes. Treat for any forward reaction. Pat your thigh or belly and at the same time say, “Come closer.” Dog will move closer or give some reaction. Treat. When your dog moves closer when you say the phrase, “Come closer”. Treat, treat, treat….this is a jackpot.
Some dogs pick this trick up very quickly, others need more time. Be patient, only treat for forward motion and soon you’ll be able to re- enact the scene with your dog. My favorite part is when I ask Dancer several times to come closer until she is pressed hard up against me. It’s too cute. Just like in the movies.
