Does your Dog Really Know How to Sit?

The Original Sit Test was designed to magnify problems that occur during competition obedience. But my dog is certainly not a competition dog, so I relaxed the test a bit to just 6 questions.  If you get the behavior on the first try, REWARD with treats, play, or praise.  100%.  If you have to ask twice, fantastic job—90%. And so on.

On your mark, get set, GO!

1. Ask while Walking — While walking (don’t stop or slow down) on a loose leash ask your dog to "Sit".  If your dog really knows sit, she will sit even though you are still walking.

2. Ask from a Distance— While your dog is standing ask her to “Stay”.  Then walk ten feet away, turn to face her, and then ask her to “Sit”.  If she really knows how to sit, she will sit even when she is ten yards away from you!  Repeat this with just the hand signal.

3. Ask During Recall — Ask your dog to "Sit" and "Stay" then walk about 20 feet from your dog, turn to face her, and then ask her to “Come”.  When your dog is halfway to you, ask your dog to “Sit”.  She should put on her breaks and sit immediately.  Whoa, this is a tough one!

4. Asked with Back Turned— Ask someone to hold your dog’s leash or hang the leash on a doorknob.  Then walk a few feet away, turn your back, and ask her to sit.  Reward, reward, reward!

5. Asked while Sitting— Go sit on the couch or in a chair.  Then ask your dog to “Sit”.

6. Asked while Lying Down— Ask someone to hold your dog’s leash or hang the leash on a doorknob.  Then move several feet away dog and lie down on your back.  Do not give your dog eye contact but ask for a “Sit.”  Try while on your stomach too.

Let us know how you did!

AnimalSense Canine Training & Behavior offers group training classes at Glenview Animal Hospital and private lessons throughout the North Shore.