Barking when asked to sit and stay

[ShAnd]

Shadow is 8 months old by now. We take him to work where he usually sleeps somewhere close to my desk, we often take him when we go out for dinner and he sleeps under our table .. all that is no problem. He`s a nice and (usually) quiet dog.

But when I take him shopping or I`m at my parent`s/friend`s house and I have him sit or lay down and stay (with or without leash) he would start complaining/barking after a while. Sometimes he tries to stand up - then I put him back .. I think being forced to stay at one place makes him feel uncomfortable even when he`s close to me and able to see me at all times.

My question: should I just ignore the barking and keep trying .. or should I give him a break - is it to much to be asked for at that age? To sit and wait without being able to move around??

 

[Doberluv]

I think it's a lot to ask an 8 month old pup or any dog for that matter to stay in one place for a very long time. I would teach him (if you haven't already) a release word like, "OK" or whatever you choose which means he can get up from the stay and practice at other times, like at home releasing him before he's apt to bark or whine. Reward him when he is staying fairly often, but ONLY when he's quiet. Reinforce his staying quietly but don't have him be in a down-stay for too long. He's young and should have other things to do to exericise his mind and body. If he's had a good romp or walk, he may be tired enough to take a nap. That's my .02 anyhow.

 

[otch1]

I agree... creating a release word, like "o.k." is important. At this age, you'll need to stay attentive to his down- stays so this doesn't become a game for him, when he realizes barking gets your attention and hands on him, repositioning him. It's important you build length of time he successfully holds a position, before you add distance. Time a 1 minute sit and a 3 minute down, with the goal in several months, being a 3 min sit and a 5 min down. I see you're in Austria. I think it's wonderful you can take your dog shopping, to work and to restaurants with you!

 

[ShAnd]

Thank you for your posts. `
I do use OK to release him but not as long as I need him to sit and wait. But I guess you`re right .. it`s too early to ask for more than a couple of minutes .. 5 minutes are no problem though .. I`ll give him more time.

And yes - it`s great that I can take him everywhere .. that`s why I`ve always wanted a dog (and not a cat) .. because he can be my SHADOW at all times

 

[ToscasMom]

I have a similar thread where I discussed Tosca's perpetual grumbling and moaning in her Down position. Like your dog, she is young (7 months). Believe it or not, the more I Down with her, the lesser the grumbling is becoming. Also I liberally treated her to help her understand that Down is SO COOL to Mom. I think it's working. But like with your dog, she's not good for a LONG time, so I have been keeping her Downs and Down Stays short, increasing them only a smidgeon at a time. I think sometimes when we have a smart puppy that's not too small looking, we might forget how old they really are. I know I do that a lot. She looks like a dog. But she's a puppy.

Boy I also sure do wish I could bring my dog into stores. So many times I want to make a stop and I can't because I refuse to leave my dog alone in the car, even if it's not hot or cold outside. I just don't feel comfortable with it. Also, I'm sure my dog would love the experience. Being able to take your dog to work with you has got to be the ulitimate good luck too! Here in America, any kid who could win the Demon Of The Year Award can sit in a restaurant and totally disrupt the dining experience for everyone, but a well trained dog would be considered just a horrible thing. Go figure.

 

[ShAnd]

Boy I also sure do wish I could bring my dog into stores. So many times I want to make a stop and I can't because I refuse to leave my dog alone in the car, even if it's not hot or cold outside. I just don't feel comfortable with it. Also, I'm sure my dog would love the experience. Being able to take your dog to work with you has got to be the ulitimate good luck too! Here in America, any kid who could win the Demon Of The Year Award can sit in a restaurant and totally disrupt the dining experience for everyone, but a well trained dog would be considered just a horrible thing. Go figure.

That`s quite frustrating .. we like to go out for dinner and we do like fancy restaurants - Shadow has come along from the very beginning when he was 11 weeks old; there is only few restaurants that do not accept dogs .. and you are not allowed to take them to beaches or pools where entrance fees have to be paid .. when I go shoe or clothes shopping he can come along .. and when I get my nails done as well taking dogs to work is not common though ..