Ask Watch Listen

FORGET THE "SIT"

We often get obsessed with issuing unnecessary commands. When actually our dog is quite capable of calm behaviour if we just lead the way with our calmness.

While a "sit" may make management easier, some dogs find it frustrating and therefore more arousing.

Others may find sit an unnecessary cold or uncomfortable position.

ASK

Shh ! Forget the sit and just be quiet and calm, or slow down how YOU move.

Have a go when you are about to:

1. Give a treat or meal.

2. Cross the road.

3. Put the lead on at the end of a walk.

To start with it may be easier to try it in novel places, where there isn't already a strong sit habit.

WATCH

Be very aware of softening and quieting your own body language, reduce your eye contact, slow down.

Is it an automatic behaviour?

What position does your dog adopt? Is he just as calm? or calmer?

If you feel he's wilder, check you are leading the way with your relaxed body language.

LISTEN

Find appropriate opportunities to let your dog choose how to wait or pause.

It doesn't have to be obligatory to sit.

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