[Day 28] Combination training "sit", "down", "stand" and "stay"

Basic obedience: Day 28 of 56

This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.

Combination training, which combines the signals "sit", "down", "stay" and "stay", is a special challenge for your dog. By varying the signals in quick succession, you demand maximum concentration and impulse control from your dog. It is important that you observe your dog closely: Some dogs react calmly and with concentration, while others become jittery and overexcited at the rapid succession of signals. Your aim is to help your dog to master his training with calmness and fun.

The special thing about this training is that it not only provides physical exercise, but is also mentally challenging. The constant change of positions and signals demands your dog's full attention and ensures that he listens to you, even if he would actually prefer to react impulsively. It is important that you always approach the training with joy and ease - only then will your dog be happy to participate even in difficult situations.

Aim: The aim of combination training is to practise the signals "sit", "down", "stay" and "stay" in a flowing combination so that the dog also performs these signals confidently and on command in different, stimulating situations. This increases your dog's concentration, impulse control and obedience, while strengthening the bond with your dog through fun and motivation.


Equipment: Treats as a reward, Collar or Harness, Leash, clicker (optional) or marker signal


Location: Low-stimulus indoor environment, later outdoors


Duration: approx. 10-15 minutes per learning unit


Combined training united - pure mental utilisation

Training becomes particularly exciting when you combine all the possibilities of the basic signals. This type of training is very physically and mentally demanding for the dog. The movement structure and signal control require a high level of concentration from your dog. Some dogs are calm, some are very focussed and others are very jittery. It's your job to treat your dog as an individual and to follow his nature. So if you notice that the exercise is very intense for your dog and pushes him a lot, then it's better to slow down a little and limit yourself to a few repetitions. However, if your dog is the relaxed type, then your full physical effort and maximum motivation are required to create a great working relationship. Basic signals mean one thing above all: fun. Only if you can make the training exciting and fun will your dog enjoy doing it with you in stimulating environments. The training plan can help you with this.

Use fixed time slots of a few minutes for combination training, in which you repeat what you have learnt with your dog. By varying and constantly changing the signals, you will quickly realise which signals are not yet particularly good. You should work more intensively on the signals that your dog has not yet mastered well during training.


As always with dog training, it is better to plan several small sessions rather than defining a long time slot for training. Training should be fun for you and your dog and should not exceed your dog's concentration and capacity. So if you notice that your dog is no longer focussed, give him one last signal that he is particularly good at and end the session. After a break, you can start again. You will see that short sessions make training much more effective and give both you and your dog more pleasure and a sense of achievement. Motivation is a very important driver for proper learning. 

Hund steht vor Menschen, der ihm ein "Touch" Handtarget zeigt.  Der Mensch kniet hinter dem Hund.

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Summary

Combination training for "sit", "down", "stay" and "stay" is an excellent way to deepen the cooperation between you and your dog. Short, regular training sessions not only strengthen your dog's signal control, but also improve their concentration. Make sure to adapt the training to your dog's individual temperament and pause early before your dog loses interest. With the right balance of fun and challenge, you will make great progress together.

This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.

The authors: Paulina & Lui

Paulina and Lui are the heart and soul behind Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store]. Her journey in dog training began with the adoption of her first list dog, Vito. This experience sparked her deep interest in teaching other dog owners about dog behaviour and training. Initially this was just a hobby, but with the adoption of the American Pitbull Amalia, who had been relinquished several times due to severe behavioural problems, her passion developed into a true vocation. Amalia's particular behavioural challenges intensified her interest in dog training and behavioural therapy. This turning point led Paulina and Lui to leave their original career paths, undergo intensive further training and dedicate themselves fully to the subject of dog training. Their work with human-dog teams also revealed a gap in the dog market: there was a lack of safe, high-quality dog accessories specifically for medium-sized and large breeds.

From this realisation, Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store] was born, a combination of their commitment to professional dog training and the need for quality dog accessories. Paulina and Lui bring their personal experience, extensive knowledge and passion for dogs to every product to help human-dog teams live together.