SIT – DOWN – STAND (LURING)

When teaching our dogs the positions: Sit, Down & Stand, we need to start with the basics of having them understand how their bodies move and create that muscle memory and awareness. Before adding any extra cues or hand signals, we encourage you to sit down on the floor with your dog positioned in front of you.

Stand - Down

Hold your treat in your hand and place it close to your dog’s nose, slowly move your treat in towards your dog’s chest and towards the ground. (Not away from your dog - this will encourage them to pull forward). Slowly, your dog will start to bend their elbows and as your dog bends move the treat closer to the ground. When you have reached the ground, wait for your dog to lay down. When they do "Yes! - Good Down" and give them the treat.

Note: If your dog backs up, start again from the stand position.

Down - Stand

When your dog is in the down position, place the treat close to their nose and slowly start to raise your hand up and away from your dog. This will encourage your dog to pull forward and up into a standing position. When they do "Yes! - Good Stand" and give them the treat.

Note: If your dog does not stand, try moving the treat slower or using more tasty treats.

Stand - Sit (Non-Formal Sit)

Have your dog in a standing position and place a treat close to their nose. Start slowly raising the treat up and over their head towards their tail, as your dog looks up their bum will go down into a sitting position. When they do "Yes! - Good Sit" and give them the treat.

Note: If your dog backs up, start again from the stand position.

Sit - Stand

When your dog is in the sit position, place the treat close to their nose and slowly start to raise your hand away from your dog as your place your other hand underneath their loin area to encourage the stand. As your dog starts to pull into a stand on their you can move your hand away from their loin.

Note: If your dog does not stand, try moving the treat slower or using more tasty treats.

Stand - Sit (Formal Sit)

Have your dog in a standing position and place a treat close to their nose. Start slowly raising the treat up towards the ceiling and as your raise your hand, place your other hand on your dog’s bum and cup their bum towards their front legs. When they do "Yes! - Good Sit" and give them the treat.

Note: This takes a lot of practice! You will need to work on this daily to perfect!

Note: If your dog jumps up, start again from the stand position.

Sit - Down

When your dog is in the sit position, place the treat close to their nose and slowly move your treat in towards your dog’s chest and towards the ground. (Not away from your dog - this will encourage them to pull forward). Slowly, your dog will start to bend their elbows and as your dog bends, place your opposite hand under your dog’s loin. This will encourage them to pop up and fold into a down position in one smooth motion.

Note: This takes a lot of practice! You will need to work on this daily to perfect.

Note: If your dog does not down, try moving the treat slower or using more tasty treats.