07/06/2022
QUITTING SO MUCH SITTING
Why asking dogs to sit all the time is not such a good idea
We may have been taught and truly believe that teaching our dogs to sit at our every cue is instilling good manners, it looks impressive, it demonstrates good obedience, teaches self-control, is incompatible to jumping up, running around or being reactive or over excited. Dogs are taught from puppies to sit before getting fed, going out a door, before being greeted, crossing the road etc. and this quickly becomes a habitual behaviour, but sometimes what we have been taught or always believed is the right way is not always what’s best for our dogs.
“Sit” is often the very first thing puppies are taught, whether we begin this at home or when going to puppy school. Just one session at puppy school may include up to 20 or even more “sits”. That’s a high intensity workout for a dog at any age, but puppies in their growing stage are particularly at risk due to their developing skeletal system. These sitting repetitions put excessive pressure on their growing muscles and joints which may lead to damage or injury that may only become apparent when they’re older.
Senior dogs may find it really painful to sit down and then get back up. Sitting puts pressure on the lower back, hips and supporting muscles. Certain breeds are just not designed to repeatedly sit.
There is nothing wrong with occasionally asking our dogs to sit and in some situations, it’s needed, but look at teaching alternative behaviours that are just as effective and won’t risk causing possible discomfort or pain. Wait, 4 paws on the floor, look at me or focus on me, hand touches or lie down are all behaviours that can replace repetitive sitting.
