14. Things To Remember When
Teaching Holding On Command

Keep the dog on leash.

Flatter your dog while she is holding. Scratch her ear, stroke her head. This will take her mind off the desire to drop the article.

Hold your hands close to the dog while she is learning. Move Quickly if you think she is going to drop what she is holding.

If the head goes down, tap your dog under the chin and say "Hold it! Hold it!"

Shake the article lightly while it is in the dog's mouth so she will learn to grip securely.

Keep lessons short.

Don't train when the weather is hot.

Don't train when the dog is panting from excitement.

Practice with articles made of wood, metal, leather and other material.

While your dog is holding, get her to a standing position by tickling her under the stomach.

Keep her standing by scratching her ear and giving praise.

If she decides to trot around, clap your hands, turn your back and walk away.

Give extra praise.

When you pat your dog, keep your hands away from the head. Pat her on the rear instead.

Whenever she drops what she is holding, shame her, then correct with a tap on the nose or a tug on the collar, BEFORE you pick the article from the floor to try again.

When you take things from the dog, see that she lets go when you tell her. If she doesn't, cuff her nose ONCE with the free hand, or blow in her face. When she releases the article, praise her.

After your dog learns HOLDING ON COMMAND, hand her things whenever you have a chance. Insist upon obedience. Praise and pat her when she keeps things in her mouth. Correct her sharply when she drops things without permission. When she be­comes dependable, she is ready for the next step, CARRYING ON COMMAND.

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