Canine Manners 101: Foundational Skill Sit

Like I mentioned before this blog will also be talking about training, it’s an important part of your and your dog’s life. It’s a big passion of mine as well, so of course I need to sprinkle it in here and there where I can!

So, today let’s start with a foundational skill. Sit. Please remember, that I am a positive-based trainer, and so I will not be telling you to put your hands on your dogs behind to force them to sit. No one, including your dog, wants to be forced into doing something whether we humans believe it or not. So, yes, I will be telling you to give your dog treats, just like when you accept a job you expect to be paid. “Paying your dog” now will make them want to please you later, so again, we never have to force them to do anything.

Understanding the power of “sit”

Before we dive into how to teach your dog to sit, let’s talk about why this is a foundational skill. Beyond its surface-level utility, “sit” lays the groundwork for future training endeavors, including more advanced tricks and behaviors like “sit pretty”, and “heelwork”, and not jumping on people!

As you can see sitting is not just used for entertaining tricks, it’s also an important skill because we as humans like manners. Yes, though I don’t want blind obedience in my dogs, I do still expect them to have manners. Think of yourself as a dog parent, not an owner. We don’t ask our children to blindly follow orders, we want them to have enough respect that they listen to the rules but they also are independent enough that they can figure out how to do things quickly and on their own if need be. I want the same for my dogs.

Also, watching a child and a dog’s brain at work when they’re trying to figure out something on their own is just fascinating!!

Teaching our dog things like Sit with a positive approach, also deepens the bond and trust we really want out of a companion. It’s essential for an adventure buddy as well.

The art of teaching “sit”

Now that we’ve talked about how important this foundational skill will be, let’s talk about how we actually teach our dog to sit.

1. Preparation and Engagement:
   Have your treats ready, and get your pup in front of you (if your pup is still unsure what treats are (believe it or not this happens) you should take a minute to load your marker, and then practice your name game for more engagement, then come back here and continue to step 2)
2. Elevating the Command:
   With a treat or toy in hand, guide your pup’s gaze upward by elevating your hand above their head and towards their back. In most cases, this motion prompts the pup to shift back into a sitting position. Celebrate this achievement with enthusiasm! Affirm their accomplishment with words like “Good! Sit!” or “Yes! Sit!”. Note that I did not say to say “sit” before we did the motions, but only after the pup successfully sat. This creates a positive association between the cue “sit” and the rewarding outcome (the treat).
3. Encouragement and Positive Reinforcement:
   Should your pup not immediately respond by sitting, refrain from frustration. Instead, reset and repeat the motion. Return your hand to its starting position and initiate the same upward movement. Patience and consistency is key.
4. Transitioning to Verbal Cue:
   As your pup gains confidence and understanding, progress to saying the cue word, “sit,” as you are doing the motion, then after a few times, do it before initiating the hand motion. Your pup’s response will tell you if there’s been enough repetition for comprehension and progress. Continue to lavish praise and rewards for correct execution, celebrating each small victory along the way.
5. Gaining Confidence:
   Great job so far! Now that your pup is understanding it, you can start standing up. Follow the same pattern but in a standing position. If your pup is struggling, squat instead of stand, then try again after a few repetitions. Then try without your hand at all, remember dogs know body language best so you may need to work on it for a while before removing the visual cue. After that, you’ll continue proofing so your dog understands that sit means sit.

In conclusion, teaching your dog to sit is not just about getting them to perform a basic command; it’s about building a strong foundation for a harmonious relationship. We’ve discussed the importance of “sit” as a foundational skill that opens doors to more advanced training, ensures good manners, and fosters a deeper bond between you and your furry companion. As we embark on this training journey together, remember that positivity and reward-based methods are our guiding principles.

The journey to mastering “sit” is a delightful one, both for you and your dog. It’s an opportunity to witness their intelligence and problem-solving skills at work. Just like raising children, we aim for respectful independence rather than blind obedience.

Our step-by-step approach to teaching “sit” involves patience, consistency, and a lot of love. It begins with preparation, engagement, and elevation of the command, gradually transitioning to verbal cues as your pup gains confidence. It’s all about celebrating small victories along the way, creating a positive association with the cue “sit,” and deepening the trust between you and your dog.

So, are you ready for the next lesson in our training journey? Together, we’ll continue to nurture the incredible bond and trust that makes for an exceptional adventure buddy. Stay tuned, and let’s keep the positive training vibes going! Your dog will thank you for it, and you’ll reap the rewards of a well-behaved, happy companion.