Hi

Interesting post and I agree with a great deal of what you are saying. However, I don't like the idea of physically touching a touch to get it to sit. I see where you are coming from but the problem is that once the touch has gone, the dog will then not necessarily do it without the physical cue.

Research has shown that an animal that is 'lured' to a behaviour or 'offers' the behviour and is rewarded is more likely to continue that behaviour on command, than an animal that has been manipulated physically.

I did this in one of my puppy classes one day with people who had tradionally taught their dogs to sit with their hands on and those that had never touched their dogs, the results were impressive towards those who had been lured.

Push me and I will push against you, same for dogs.

Kate

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