How do you train a Border Collie to sit and stay?

Use highly desirable treats. Get your dog's attention on the treat, but don't let him get it yet. Slowly raise your hand up and slightly ahead of your dog, making sure his nose follows. When his nose gets high enough, he'll have to sit. Then give him a taste of the treat, give a release Word, and take a few steps away.

It is important to establish both a command Word ("sit") and a release Word in training. Without a release command, you cannot teach a dog to stay in a position. Avoid using a commonly used Word such as, "okay," as your release Word because you may say it inadvertantly in ordinary conversation and release your dog when you didn't intend to. Choose a Word you don't use often in other circumstances besides training.

Always give your release Word before allowing him to move out of the sit. If he tries to move before you've given the Word, gently use your hands on his chest and rump to hold him in place until you release him. Don't ask him to stay in position for more than one second at first. Stay times must be built up slowly.

Always begin stay training in a quiet place with few distractions, and with the dog on a leash so he can't wander or bound off. Stay very close at first so you can catch him when he starts to get up but before he actually does. Timing is critical. The faster you catch him coming out of the sit, the faster he will learn to stay.

While he is holding the stay, remember to praise him and gently scratch his chest and rump to let him know you are pleased with what he is doing. If you give a treat, always give it while he is still staying and never after you have released him. This will help him develop a strong, reliable stay.

Be very careful about pushing down on a puppy. Large portions of their skeletons are still cartilage and it is easy to damage this cartilage causing permanent changes and life-long disability. A healthy dog who likes treats will sit if you hold the treat properly and slowly raise it. If he doesn't sit that way, he may have a medical problem (some dogs are physically unable to sit).

• You hold a treat up and say firmly, "Sit!" If he doesn't sit, push his butt down gently and slowly. Keep doing that until the dog gets it.