When chatting to dog owners, clients and even other trainers the topic of the “sit” comes up. Commonly the question is, “why is there so much focus on the sit at Puppy Pre-Schools and initial dog Training sessions ?”
Firstly it’s somewhat easy to teach, and for the dog and owner to get some initial success. The sit is also a very useful command, for example getting your dog to stop at the roadside before crossing or when they are over excited getting them to calm down.
However there are actually two parts or aspects to a sit.
The first is the mechanical, physically getting the dog into a position of a sit. When the dog’s rump (bum) hits the ground. This should ideally happen on the first command. ie. the handler saying “Sit” once.
The big mistake that is made by both owners and even other dog trainers is that once the dog performs the sit, even for a few fleeting seconds, they think it is now “done”
The second part of the sit or the other aspect is getting them to HOLD the sit. Usually this can be done with a Stay command, however I prefer to train the dog to wait for the “free” command. Whichever way, the dog should hold the sit.
Too many times the holding the sit is glossed over or seen as “that’s the “stay” command which is completely different”
No – its not. Holding or staying in a sit should be taught immediately after, or ideally in direct parallel with the Sit.
This is of vital importance. If the dog will hold a sit, it will do other things you ask it to do, and is a foundation for leadership. Which you can then develop further. Of course the dog should be doing this without a treat or the promise of a treat.
This is why the sit gets so much focus. (or should be the reason) It translates into other areas, both obedience and good behavior.
Get the dog to hold a sit, from a distance from the owner/handler, under distraction, for at least two to three minutes as a bare minimum, and that’s how you will be able to build a well mannered, well behaved dog that listens to you.
If you would like to know more or would like to get some Dog Training please contact me.
These are some of the areas we provide dog training for in Sydney – if you are not listed, please still contact us ! The Hills – Annangrove, Baulkham Hills, Beaumont Hills, Bella Vista, Box Hill, Carlingford, Castle Hill, Cherrybrook, Dural, Glenhaven, Glenorie, Kellyville, Kenthurst, Maraylya, Maroota, Nelson, Northmead, North Rocks, Rouse Hill, West Pennant Hills Blacktown and surrounding areas – Acacia Gardens, Dean Park, Doonside, Glendenning, Glenwood, Kellyville Ridge, Kings Langley, Kings Park, Lalor Park, Marayong, Marsden Park, Oakhurst, Parklea, Quakers Hill, Schofields, Seven Hills, Stanhope Gardens, The Ponds, Toongabbie, Vineyard, Riverstone
