Why Do We Ask For A Sit?
I see this ALL. THE. TIME.
It’s what everyone was taught to do when a dog is being unruly. Someone is approaching and, knowing their dog’s typical reaction in these situations, they anticipate it won’t be a calm, neutral interaction.
So, they ask them to sit.
However, what I then see is a dog who immediately breaks the sit and is still running circles around the owner as the owner is repeating the command over and over. It turns into an argument between the owner and dog which leaves both more frustrated than when they started.
Needless to say, I rarely see this command achieving the intended goal.
But WHY do we do this?
So they calm down.
Why does a sit make them (appear to be) calm?
Because it’s less movement.
Okay, so let’s start there.
Most people are asking way too much from their dog’s current skill levels. Dogs do not come hardwired with commands. This is something achieved through time, repetitions, timing, a solid relationship with the dog, and clear communication.
Why does it do wrong?
Asking the dog to be in position for too long.
Not instilling a release command.
Not rewarding throughout the duration.
Not rewarding throughout the distraction.
Not rewarding when they make a good decision.
Not appropriately correcting when they make a bad decision.
Correcting before they fully understand the expectation.
Only practicing inside the home.
…I could go on.
The next time you ask for obedience, ask yourself:
What purpose is this serving?
Has my dog shown me, under many other circumstances, that they can be successful at this task or am I simply wishing they could do this?
Why is this important to me right now?
Will asking my dog this strengthen or weaken our relationship?
I will ALWAYS prioritize behavioral health and relationship over obedience (for client dogs, because of course this is something I still struggle with daily with Knox!, so while I am giving this advice I can also empathize) as we don’t have our dogs forever and these will give them the longest lives possible.