Sitting Pretty in Dog Training

 

5 Steps to Sitting Pretty

For a human, sitting pretty means to be in the right place at the right time and have an awareness of the accomplishment to be able to enjoy the moment.  Are you working to get your dog to do the right thing at the right time and place?  While you are working on having your dog sit on command or automatically when you stop on a walk, why not try for sitting pretty?

Have you ever seen dogs move and stop in the right position at the right time while practically beaming with joy?  These dogs have been taught how, where and when to sit. Do you wonder why some dogs seem so happy to comply when others don’t have an inkling of sitting much less sitting pretty? The answer to this conundrum involves consistent, direct and concise instruction as your dog develops a foundation of understanding that becomes a reliable behavior.

Check out these 5 training tips to help your dog learn sitting pretty

Tip #1. Label the desired behavior

Label the sit whenever you see your dog sitting.  Just say, “sit” even though he’s already sitting, then immediately give a reward. A pea size tasty treat will do. Next, start asking for you dog to sit before he has a meal. Stand, holding his food bowl. A cue or upward hand motion added to the word “sit” helps a dog’s understanding. When your dog sits, the meal becomes the reward.

Tip #2. Ask for the desired behavior

Start out by asking your dog to sit facing you and reward for a front sit. Dogs are good at learning this position. Later, show your dog the “heel” position. Your dog should be facing forward on your left side with his shoulder in line with your left leg.  A  backward circle hand motion added to the word “heel” is a cue to help your dog understand how to move position from “front” to “heel”.

Tip #3. Practice for the desired behavior

Practice briefly several times each day. Avoid forcing your dog into a sit position. Instead, allow your dog opportunities to choose to sit at your request in either position always reinforcing a quick sit with great rewards.

Tip #4.  Reward the desired behavior

When you have labeled, shown, practiced and rewarded generously, give your dog the opportunity to show you what he has learned. Ignore or endure the false starts and short comings but always reward each improvement to the desired behavior.

Tip #5. Incorporate the desired behavior into your everyday life

When you and your dog develop an understanding of what “Sit” really means by working together to sit at the right time and place, you’ll both be sitting pretty!  Need another little nudge to get started training with your dog? See our posts on Facebook of obedience class graduates sitting pretty. Be sure to reach out to the folks at Fondren 5 star Pet Resort regarding your dog’s training needs.  They’re ready to help you step into training with your dog.