Mr_G Posted September 23, 2015 Report Share Posted September 23, 2015 As the title really. I ask her to sit and it's dry and she'll drop without hesitating. I ask her to sit if the grass is wet and she just looks at me like I've got 2 heads, probably thinking you sit in the wet grass knobhead. I have to get right up in front of her and tell her rather than ask her and she does the not quite sitting but not quite standing squat. One or 2 more requests and she'll eventually sit. Now the above happens generally if she's walking to heel and I ask her to sit, it'll take her a few goes. If she's been running about, retrieving then she forgets and just sits as she normally would, I assume because she's on autopilot. Did or does anyone else have this problem? Any ideas on how to solve it, she's a good 'sitter', just not when it's wet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben0850 Posted September 23, 2015 Report Share Posted September 23, 2015 How old is she? My lab was very similar as a young pup, the older he got the less bothered he was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Kelly Posted September 23, 2015 Report Share Posted September 23, 2015 (edited) Mine thinks he's an otter half the time and spends more time swimming and sploshing about no matter how cold it is than is reasonable, but try to get him out in the garden for a wee before bed if it's raining and he won't go. The very last thing mine has is common sense, but he definitely has opinions! He doesn't see the sense on getting needlessly wet if it's no fun. I expect yours is similar. Doesn't really bother me but if it bothers you I guess you have to persist. Edited September 23, 2015 by Tim Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr_G Posted September 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2015 She'll be 5 this Oct. I don't think it really bothers me to be honest with you, I just find it quite odd. I suppose it's just who she is. Tim, I think you've summed her up quite nicely really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFN Posted September 23, 2015 Report Share Posted September 23, 2015 My cocker is exactly the same whilst out walking, but more stubbon, as she'll crouch but not fully sit at all no matter what I do. When out shooting she will sit straight away, but will get restless much quicker than in the dry. As long as she stays put I don't have a problem with it as I wouldn't want to sit in wet grass either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr_G Posted September 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2015 I think that's it, I wouldn't want to either and I can see their point. It's just funny they'll find the muddiest puddle they can in the middle of winter and get covered head to toe, yet won't sit in the morning dew. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted September 23, 2015 Report Share Posted September 23, 2015 mmm my lab is a bitch and she is a good sitter, like yours she prefers not to sit on wet ground and does the hover sit thing. She is coming on well with everything else and so I try not to let it bother me and only get in front of her and command her to sit in the wet if it is really really necessary. For my dog Im sort of hoping these small things will get worked out, they have a lot to learn with a relatively small head!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFN Posted September 23, 2015 Report Share Posted September 23, 2015 I think that's it, I wouldn't want to either and I can see their point. It's just funny they'll find the muddiest puddle they can in the middle of winter and get covered head to toe, yet won't sit in the morning dew. Odd aren't they. Mine will tiptoe around puddles on the 50 yards of road before the fields start, then tear through muddy puddles, nettles, brambles and ponds like a thing possessed - then cower at the sight of the hose when we get home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polester Posted September 23, 2015 Report Share Posted September 23, 2015 Mines the same loves getting wet in the foulest bit of water he can find, then whines when he's wet and trys to rub himself dry on me. Until we get home and the hosepipe comes out then hides, wont come near. He's not right Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Kelly Posted September 23, 2015 Report Share Posted September 23, 2015 Spaniels are definitely not wired right, but that's half the fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortune Posted September 23, 2015 Report Share Posted September 23, 2015 Spaniels are definitely not wired right, but that's half the fun. dont you just love em My loon hates going out on the wet lawn for a wee last thing at night. She will walk round the front of the house on the path and then up to the gate. She keeps stopping and looking out on the grass but is reluctant to actually get out onto wet grass to do the job but if it is dry it is straight out and back. Another strange thing is that when I take her out for a walk she will go down into the stream by the bridge to get a drink but if it is nearly dark in the trees she will not go down into the stream at all. She stands there looking down as if there is something down there that she doesn't like. I suppose that it is a bit like some people don’t like going near a cemetery when it is getting dark. Beware of the boggy man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted September 24, 2015 Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 My mates Vizler, never used to like the water but loved a hose down, my lab like your springers loves the water but still wont get near a hose pipe, they are indeed a strange animal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDog Posted September 24, 2015 Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 The hover sitting needs to be dealt with. Just repeat the command until the dog is sitting properly. If the dog gets away with it once it will think it can always do it. Those experiencing difficulties getting their Labradors or spaniels near a hose pipe should try it with a border terrier. Mine can crawl away like a snake and hide when the hose comes out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted September 24, 2015 Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 Batches do this on wet or muddy ground and frankly personally I have never forced the issue as itakes scence. I don't keep bitches now but spent years bitches only - never seen it in s dog unless it was " in the starting blocks" so to say Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnphilip Posted September 24, 2015 Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 A few years ago i had two border collies when i let them out for the last pee at night they hated going on the wet lawn. The two sod would hide at the side of the shed on the gravel path and wait for me to call them in. Till one night i sneeked upon them to see were they were, got yer, they both looked at each other, oh we have been rumbled lol:-):-):-) . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farma Geddon Posted September 24, 2015 Report Share Posted September 24, 2015 I think they are all a bit iffy. My labs will endure ridiculous hardships for a retrieve ,but don't really like going for a walk in the rain ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee-kinsman Posted September 26, 2015 Report Share Posted September 26, 2015 I don't always think sit is necessary. Sit after all really means stop. If she stands still I'd be happy with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
postie Posted September 27, 2015 Report Share Posted September 27, 2015 My two year old cocker is the same she will not sit in wet or muddy grass I've done the battle of wills thing 20 min stand off she got so stressed,I won't put her through that again. she will stay were I stop her I can walk a field and she won't move so your not on your own Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamspuddy Posted October 2, 2015 Report Share Posted October 2, 2015 My 6 year old springer has never sat on wet grass, will not dive in the river or lake like some friends dogs to "play". but if there is a dummy or bird to pick up straight in no hesitation. And when she has picked up in a lake, she will swim to the nearest bank and run back if its quicker.. i wouldn't worry cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird Posted October 2, 2015 Report Share Posted October 2, 2015 As the title really. I ask her to sit and it's dry and she'll drop without hesitating. I ask her to sit if the grass is wet and she just looks at me like I've got 2 heads, probably thinking you sit in the wet grass knobhead. I have to get right up in front of her and tell her rather than ask her and she does the not quite sitting but not quite standing squat. One or 2 more requests and she'll eventually sit. Now the above happens generally if she's walking to heel and I ask her to sit, it'll take her a few goes. If she's been running about, retrieving then she forgets and just sits as she normally would, I assume because she's on autopilot. Did or does anyone else have this problem? Any ideas on how to solve it, she's a good 'sitter', just not when it's wet. Honestly? I think it's less about wet ground and more that she needs sharpening up on the stop or sit - if still hovering or standing she'll be off quicker than from a sit, and she knows it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDog Posted October 2, 2015 Report Share Posted October 2, 2015 Honestly? I think it's less about wet ground and more that she needs sharpening up on the stop or sit - if still hovering or standing she'll be off quicker than from a sit, and she knows it... Precisely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFN Posted October 2, 2015 Report Share Posted October 2, 2015 Honestly? I think it's less about wet ground and more that she needs sharpening up on the stop or sit - if still hovering or standing she'll be off quicker than from a sit, and she knows it...I'm not convinced. Why only in the wet? I have the same issue, as do others apparently, whereas in the dry there is no problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird Posted October 2, 2015 Report Share Posted October 2, 2015 (edited) Seriously, the dog should plonk its bum on the floor no matter what the conditions. I bet the same dog who thinks it'll get away with not plonking it's bum on the floor when told because it senses hesitation on your part will leap straight into a dirty cattle trough full of muddy water if hot! Seriously, the dog should plonk its bum on the floor no matter what the conditions. I bet the same dog who thinks it'll get away with not inking it's bum on the floor when told because it senses hesitation on your part will leap straight into a dirty cattle trough full of muddy water if hot! Edited October 2, 2015 by bigbird Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird Posted October 2, 2015 Report Share Posted October 2, 2015 How did I manage that?!? Lol! Anyway, your dog can read your body language better than you yourself, if you're hesitant because you're anthropomorphising (sp?!) 'I wouldn't like to sit on a wet floor myself and I feel bad' (also have been guilty of this) the more the dog is unsure of doing it or thinks, 'great I can keep my bum dry' - and who can blame 'em Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFN Posted October 2, 2015 Report Share Posted October 2, 2015 Interesting, but it never crossed my mind that she wouldn't sit on wet grass until it happened. I was annoyed and stood for ages getting her to sit, pushing down her rear but she just went all cocker on me and got stubborn and offended. As I said before, when it matters she will sit as she has other things on her mind, its only when walking or in the garden she won't sit. I'm not bothered by it but how would you deal with it if you came across a 'croucher' - especially a stubborn cocker? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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