Not really sure whether this is a Training question or a Behaviour question! : When we are having street walks (which is most of the time at this time of year) I ask Harvey to sit at the kerb before we cross any roads. Recently he has started doing a sort of semi-sit - he begins to sit but then stops halfway and looks at me. He doesn't do it any other time that I ask for a Sit. Could it just be impatience (wretched sitting holding up his walk!)? What do you think?
Re: The semi-sit Harley does the same if we are out walking or doing some training. I used to tell her to sit again but now just stand still and look at her until she sits - she got the message quite quickly. I do think it's impatience!
Re: The semi-sit It could just be "I'll pretend to sit so I can move on quicker" but it could also be that the ground is wet and/or cold. I've had trouble with my "settles" lately - not getting clear signs Charlie is relaxing, I look for a relaxed sit and for preference a down with a paw tucked under. But then I thought it was really because he didn't want to sit or lie down on the damp, cold ground. I moved to an area covered thickly with dry leaves and got a much better result. Mind, Charlie will sit in a freezing, flowing river, and even the sea, if there is a ball going, so it's not something that's unreasonable to ask - but now I do tend to allow him to stand if he wants. So stop etc. is ok at a stand.
Re: The semi-sit I have this sometimes UB at roadsides, I ask for a sit once if I don't get it I don't cross the road, Hattie will then look at me and she know what she should be doing and will sit then she gets a little treat I do think on wet days Hattie is not so keen to plant her bottom : x
Re: The semi-sit My last dog used to hover her bum about 1 inch above the ground. She only did it in could weather so I figured she didn't like her bum getting cold ;D
Re: The semi-sit Mira does this in stubble fields - very sensible I reckon! ;D Like Charlie, she will plunge into all sorts of freezing water, but often prefers not to sit when it's very cold/snowy. At other times she does occasionally do it when she is impatient to retrieve and wants a quick getaway :
Re: The semi-sit Thanks all. A slightly longer delay at the kerbside now has him sitting fully most of the time.
