13/11/2025
We’ve all been there.. ‘sit’ is usually the very first thing we begin to teach our new pups.
So many dogs are asked to sit for everything - before meals, before receiving a treat, before the lead goes on, when meeting people… but have you ever stopped to think why?
👉 In many situations, asking for a sit has no real function - it doesn’t teach calmness, emotional control, or patience.
👉 For dogs with joint issues or arthritis, all those repeated sits can actually cause unnecessary wear and tear, especially on hips, knees, and elbows.
Instead, think about the purpose of the behaviour you’re asking for:
✅ Do you want your dog to be calm? Teach a “settle.”
✅ Do you want focus? Reinforce engagement with you.
✅ Do you want them to wait calmly? Reinforce a stand-stay.
✅ Do you just want manners? Reward four paws on the floor.
The goal isn’t to make your dog sit more, it’s to help them understand what to do in each situation 🐶💡
