"A dog is truly man's best friend. A trained dog is not only a pleasure to live with but a companion for life"
There are many training methods to choose from. The key word is "gentle!" It is NEVER necessary to hit a dog or otherwise force him into doing something. When the bond between master and dog exists, the dog will want to please. "Gentle" training, "gentle" corrections, "love" and the ability to "read" your dog will prove in the end that "quality time" spent together pays off!
Ivy is shown on the following pages at 6 1/2 months old. Our training sessions are about 15 minutes a day. She has never been hit, never heard a harsh word, and has proven once again if you give love, you will get it in return.
TAKE A BOW IVY!
To teach Ivy the "bow" she first learned the "down" and we went on from there. With Ivy in a "stand" position I am in front of her with a biscuit. The biscuit is brought up by her nose then my arm "swings" in a waving motion down towards the floor. The natural reaction for the dog is to follow the food so where my hand goes so does her nose! Once her entire front end is down I immediately praise, give her the biscuit and most of all don't allow her to put her hind end down. If this is done quick enough (giving the biscuit) she will automatically raise her front end up and the back end never touches the floor! With continued practice, a simple wave of the arm and the "Take a Bow" command should have her doing this trick in one smooth motion.