[quote=spoiledgirls;
As far as the sit goes pushing on the back causes damage. Your pups skeleton is still growing. More effective and much safer ways are 1) with a hold a treat just above the head and slowly bring it back producing the sit; 2) if you prefer hands on start from the base of the tail (No pressure) and bring your hand under its bottom tucking in (similar to when someone come from behind and pushes the back of your knees causing you to "sit"). If you're trying to reinforce an already known command, take hold of the collar with one hand and tuck with the other at the same time as you saw the command. On leash a quick pop up (without lifting him off the ground) should also give you the wanted "sit". Repeating the command several times before you get the desired action will only teach your dog that he can do what he wants when he wants to! Insist on it right from the start. At 8 months, is going through the adolescent/defiant stage. Patience is the name of the game. You may have to back up a few steps in your training. Keep requiring the proper response and you'll notice once he's outgrown it that he'll better behaved than ever.[/QUOTE]
I disagree...this pup is almost 9 months of age...gently pushing on his back end to encourage him to sit....when he is blowing off the owner is not going to damage his skeletal system....just like giving a quick pop up (without lifting him off of the ground) is also not going to do neck damage.
This pup is probably close to 90 lbs.
More training, and more work is all that is needed. If he will only work for treats....see if you can get him to work for a toy...or mix the treats and toys up...and then slowly start using praise...and skipping a treat here and there...and slowly phase out treats when you give a command.
During training always use some sort of reward...and be positive.
Gina