When I read your thread I immediately thought of this little cutie I saw on TV the other day:
I know food works very well in training. Never give the treat up until they do the trick completely. For example, I taught my two to lay down by walking them over to where I want them to be by letting them follow the food in hand. I would position them in front of me. I am sitting on my bottom with my knees bent up and they're actually between my bent knees. Now while they are sitting I put my hands with the food around the outside of my leg and lure them under my legs so they have to lay down. Say lay down while they are laying down and give them the treat. I hope I explained that okay. Did it make sense?