SITZ?PLATZ

[DDRGUY]

Hey guys, SF_MEDIC here, has to re-register. My account is poofed!? Anyhow, throw some ideas at me about this. My 5 mo male pup is doing well. I am doing some very light obedience with him right now. I thought I was going very slow and strictly positive. However he seems to be a little confused. He will "sitz" on command,,, and platz on command. But, seems sometimes, upon the sitz command, he will go right to a down position. Think I oughtta stop all together and wait alittle? Or should I actually try to correct him at this age? Keep in mind he is going to be a sport dog, and I dont want him to lose any spirit.

[trish]

I find that common for a young dog to be a little confused on those two commands. It sounds like he may not really understand the commands completely. I'm not sure if you use food or toy. But if he misses up the commands, just say "no" move him out of the position, try again. Only give the reward, toy, food, when he is successful. This gives him an opportunity to figure it out. Just keep it short, fun, few repitions at this time. Maybe do two very short sessions a day, few distractions, get his focus on you.
I know also that dogs pick up on body language while teaching commands. If you lean over on the platz command to reward with food or toy, then stop doing that; the dog may be confused. Be aware of body position when giving the commands. I recently got the Ivan B. tapes, excellent BTW. He just denies a young dog their favorite reward, give a simple "no" when they mess up, try again, the reward(game of tug) is given when successful. Hope that helps!

[Jezzi]

I would not correct, especially with such a young pup.

When I'm training youngsters like this, I separate the daily training sessions into two different times and only work on one command at a time. For example, in the morning, we work on "sitz" only, before the morning meal. And then in the evening, we work on "Platz" only, before the evening meal. This makes it much more *black and white* for a young, easily distracted puppy to learn, comprehend, and be successful performing the exercise. You can intermix the two exercises together later, when the pup has more maturity and experience.
Also, make the sounds of the commands completely different. We expect our dogs to hear and understand our language like humans, think about and listen to dogs and how they communicate with one another vocally...
So, with the "sitz", use a quiet upward tone, and draw it out...ssssssssssssssssssssssitzzzzzzzzzz.
With "platz", make the sound, almost like a loud Bark..."PLATZ!!"
Let us know how it goes~

[Currmudgeon]

Jezzi said:

I would not correct, especially with such a young pup.

I agree, particularly since the pup is showing confusion. It apparently does not know what you want. While I have no problem with corrections, I believe they are best used to correct willful disobedience and, in a lighter form, to gain the dog's attention.

Your pup does not seem to suffer from either problem, but from not being sure what is wanted. At his age, I'd slow down the training a notch or two.

[Amara]

:)Hey, I agree with Jezzi & Dennis.... Do not over stimulate a youngster...He is apparently confused. Continue short sessions with alot of praise....Definitely work on 1 thing at a time.....thus avoiding confusion...When i'm working with a puppy, I don't start anything new until the 1st command is learned...& I don't correct with "no"! Just start over and give praise as soon as puppy does the sitz... or platz....don't over use "no"!...., as the puppy will begin to ignore it , becoming conditioned to no not really meaning no... ;D ;)Amara

[sulaha]

Can anyone tell me how to pronouce "Platz".. I have just started my 10 wk. old pup on this command. I am just learning this "German command" thing. Should you push her in the down position everytime you say it??? Sorry I am kinda stupid about this yet!!!!

[JanisN]

Plahtz. or Plotz.

I would NEVER push a puppy into a down position. All that does is teach her to stiffen up when you put her hand over her back.

We start from a sitz (seetz) and I lure her into the platz by taking a treat and sliding it from between her front forepaws along the floor in a straight line. The nose, head and body follows. Once she's down and eating the treat, it's lots of praise, "good platz, good girl" and then let her up immediately. Sessions should be extremely short, always positive and NEVER forced.

JanisN

[sulaha]

Thanks for the information. I am glad you clarified the correct way on doing the Platz command. Please bare with me. I am learning.

[JanisN]

We're all learning, Suz. Always learning.<sigh> And with your first, everything seems so darned important and vital. The truth is, if your dog has good breeding that includes a good temperament and good drive, then there's not a whole lot you can do to "screw up" that can't be unscrewed.

But it's sad to see people obsessing over every little thing and worrying over it when they should be loving those little puppy kisses and the play behavior and even the needle sharp teeth! It all changes so quickly!

A puppy isn't an inanimate object or something you have to exert dominion over. You want the animal to grow into a companion, a friend and partner. That takes trust on both your parts and you have to trust yourself, too.

If you take the time to play and really enjoy your puppy, you can train right while you're playing. You can have a dog that is eager to be with you and watches your every move to see what exciting thing you guys are going to do next. That's really a lot of fun and very ego gratifying! <grin>

Take it easier on yourself and take it easier on her!

JanisN

[sulaha]

JanisN,
You are right when you say I am trying to do everything right. I have had Labs before, but never a GSD. They are so intellegent, that I don't want to mess up on anything. I want my pup to be the best she can be no matter what it is. She comes from such a good line of Schultzhund. I don't think at this time I want her to follow that training. She was the dominant pup of 3 litters. I had chosen her from her markings without knowing about the "dominant thing." I think I am expecting too much from her. I don't want her to be dominant over myself and my family.