SitDropStay Melbourne

28/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18Ph6GiE7N/

Training reminder!

When teaching or asking your dog to sit, lay down or stay, think about WHY you are asking for this. Remember that the state of mind they are in is just as - if not more - important than the body action. Body and mind are linked!

In the same way you don't tell a kid to 'sit!' if they are interrupting or being silly, you would calmly but assertively ask them to wait or calm down.

Think about why and when you are going to use certain commands in your lifestyle.
Example
*asking for your dog to sit before you invite them inside
*asking them to lay down at your feet while you have a coffee or chat with a friend
*asking them to sit before attaching the collar or lead
*asking for a stay while you leave them in the car and go to pay for your fuel
*asking them to sit/stay while you accept a parcel at the door
*asking them to wait calmly while you get their food ready

Personally, I want my dog to be calm and patient in these scenarios, not hectic and needing constant instant gratification.

We want to focus on teaching co-operation and a good work ethic, rather than practising 'tricks' that last 3 seconds and result in your dog breaking the command the second they hear you exclaim 'good dog!' or get the treat and instantly go back to what they were doing beforehand. This high reward approach usually creates very educated dogs who know lots of words and commands but lack resilience and self regulation.

SO! When using commands:

*insist on a calm mind along with the body action. Wait until they relax and surrender
*be careful to not overdo your reward. If your dog gets excited or breaks when you use treats or use an enthusiastic voice, don't reward them that way! Save that stuff for when you are playing games and like them hyped up and switched on. A calm pat or thankyou in a normal voice is more than enough for most dogs in everyday scenarios. Just like kids, they don't need a lolly every time you ask them to do something
*get your dog used to doing these things all the time - randomly and without being the centre of attention or expecting an external reward

Start small and build up and in no time you'll have a dog who can follow commands patiently and calmly.

Please reach out if you need a foundation or refresher session 🙂

14/06/2025

Another great 5 star review for Melbourne trainer Rod Sinclair👏

“Rod came out to our place this morning to assist us with our one year old Golden and five year old malshy who were ruling the house. Within 10mins he had complete control. Rod has a very calmly nature which made both our dogs feel safe. He is extremely knowledgeable and keeps the training basic so that the whole family can participate. We are looking forward to what the next few weeks bring. Thanks Rod”

28/03/2025

WOW… just WOW. What an eye opening experience. I can’t believe the results in just 2 hours. Rod explained everything clearly, was engaging and understood us. He reinforced certain things throughout our time together, which helped a lot. We are soo happy, relieved and grateful to him. Can’t wait to check in with him in a few weeks. Not to mention he will be available to us anytime we need. 😧 the only thing I’m disappointed with is that I didn’t meet him earlier. We are forever grateful ☺️

03/03/2025

Archie the beautiful male Rottweiler, wasn’t keen on rules and was trying to control everything. Going through an emotional time can absolutely affect our dogs’ behaviour. They feel it as an imbalance in our energy field and often either, act out our emotions, or, try to take over responsibility and control of the environment. When we are ready, it’s time to give back and provide strong loving leadership for them so they can rebalance, heal and relax.

01/03/2025

Dog Training isn’t something you do; it’s something you live. Every interaction is shaping their behaviour and understanding of the world.

28/02/2025

27/02/2025

23/12/2024

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=895234529456316&id=100069093306697&post_id=100069093306697_895234529456316&mibextid=Nif5oz

26/11/2024

When dealing with behaviour issues we have two basic options. We can manage (basically learn to live with) the issue or we can actually fix it.

Managing can involve actively avoiding situations and triggers, using distraction (treats etc) or asking for a replacement action like sit or stay.

Examples of managing behaviour are, crossing the road to avoid other dogs, putting your dog away when you have guests and having to rely on treats to get your dogs attention and to listen to you.

The other option is to actually address the issue and remove the desire for the unwanted behaviour.

Identifying and addressing a behavioural issue at it’s source should always be the first option and long term goal. Managing isn’t fixing.

22/11/2024

We believe creating genuine connection, trust and respect is a better foundation than manipulating your dogs attention with treats and high pitched voices.