Hey Gang,

Here is the link for the training Sinatra has been enrolled in.
http://www.sitmeanssit.com/

While talking with my spouse she made an interesting comment, "paying 700 bucks for dog training is ridiculous! But way cheaper than a divorce attorney." Of course she was joking about the getting divorced, but she and Sinatra just don't get along. So I did a lot of research and we have started a training program with the local Sit Means Sit trainer.

His progress after 1 training class has been astonishing.
He sits before going outside, waits till the command is given for him to come and and then sits again till he is released.
He leaves the cats alone!
He understands boundaries in the house.
He comes to us when called, stays off furniture, and no longer jumps on people to greet them.
He is no longer attacking other dogs.
Biggest of all, he listens now when my wife gives him a command.

All of the fun cuddle stuff that makes him a great dog is still there, he just doesn't get away with doing anything that used to annoy us.

I'll try to keep this updated as he training progresses, and will answer any questions that get posted.

I'm so glad that you found a method that works! I'm actually really interested to hear more details, as John and I have a few things that we really want Koda to learn that we've been having trouble teaching with other methods. John brings up training such as Sit Means Sit but I'm more hesitant to do so because I prefer positive reinforcement...

-Sit Means Sit uses a training collar right? One with prongs? How is it used?

-Have you noticed a change in Sinatra? Does he cower or get submissive and seem "broken" in anyway?

-Is his energy level the same? Does he seem happy?

-Is he ever HURT in the process? (like, so that he yelps, or something)


Again, I'm so glad that things are working out. I'd really be interested in your responses though as like I said, if someone can convince me that this training method isn't all about punishment, I'd be more willing to let John have his way.

It is a Training Collar. The Instructor had both of us hold the collar to see how a "shock" felt on different levels. It's a very mild (very low amperage device) that isn't used to punish the dog but to get his attention. You use the collar, for commands, corrections, and for positive reinforcement. When ever I say anything to the dog "Sit, Good sit, Good Boy, Off, etc." he gets a touch.

The trainer said that some dogs do exhibit submissive behaviors, but that it was due to a different type of training, not because of the collar touches, and for us the owners to work to help the dog get adjusted to the new way of interaction. Sinatra has not shown submissive behaviors and has adapted really quickly to the training (and attention) he is now getting.

There is a dial on the device so that you can make the touches more intense if your animal is not responding. We have taken to the level up to 5 couple times (like when he wants to chase another animal) and if we stay at the level he will give us a yelp after a couple minutes. (I can hold the device at it's maximum level 8 in my hand, it makes my pinkie twitch.) So we just dial it back to a 2 or 3 depending on his responses. (I can't even feel it at 2, and just barely at 3 sometimes.)

The positive improvement we have seen in just a week blows me away. Courtney doesn't yell at Sinatra anymore, and when he listens to her, he gets so much positive interactions from her that I think we all love it.

i saw them at the ski show over the weekend and it was cool. i wish the price was better as that is alot to fork over. i put my name in to have someone call us but no one has yet.

jbealer - Have you received a call yet? Each Sit Means sit is individually operated so interactions will vary.

nope no call yet! oh well we don't have the money anyway