Stumped on sitting

I have a six-month-old vizsla dog, and his training has been coming along wonderfully. I want him as an all-round shooting companion, and at the moment I am reinforcing the basics of sit, heel and recall. His sit is the one causing us issues currently. In the house he does it wonderfully but once out in the fields, even when there are no distractions, he is very reluctant. I sometimes have a real battle and then as soon as I turn my back he stands again. Can you help?

Do not panic — a lot of thinnercoated dogs are reluctant to sit on the cold, wet floor. Not only is it chilly on their skin, but also quite often boys do not enjoy putting their precious crown jewels down on the cold. I have a dog just like this and quickly learnt to embrace it rather than fight.

When he hovers or stands, does he move and walk away or is he merely standing up? If the latter, I would not particularly worry. If he is moving off, try a place board. Use it to teach him to remain in a sit or stand position. Remember to keep walking back and rewarding the ‘stay’. Do not leave him in a stay for too long. If you think he can cope with 60 seconds before moving, only ask for 50 seconds before you reward and offer a release command. Then build this up slowly over time. ES

Many thinner-coated dogs such as vizslas can be reluctant to sit on cold surfaces