Why “Sit” Isn’t the First Thing We Teach

When most people think of starting dog training, the first cue they want is “sit.” It’s seen as the ultimate sign of a “well-trained” dog. But here’s something you may not know:

At Sit Happens Dog Training, we don’t start with “sit.” We start with engagement.

If your dog doesn’t know that paying attention to you is valuable, asking for a “sit” is like speaking into the wind, especially when distractions are around. Building engagement first ensures your dog wants to work with you, making skills like “sit,” “stay,” and loose leash walking much more reliable later on.

What We Focus On Instead

Name Recognition
We teach your dog that responding to their name is exciting and worth it, even when distractions are nearby.

Engagement Games
Games like “Hand Targeting” and “1-2-3 Walking” teach your dog to check in with you, turning training into a fun, rewarding activity instead of a chore.

Marker Word Training
Using a clear marker word like “yes!” tells your dog the exact moment they did something right, speeding up learning and reducing confusion.

Why This Matters

Clarity: Your dog knows what earns rewards.
Enthusiasm: Your dog wants to learn and work with you.
Reliability: Your dog will listen even with distractions around.

Imagine asking your dog to “sit” at a busy park. Without engagement training, your dog may ignore you completely. But if your dog has learned that checking in with you brings rewards, they’re far more likely to respond, even with squirrels and smells competing for their attention.

Ready to Build the Foundation?

“Sit” is important, but building an engaged, focused, and confident learner is even more important. Once your dog understands why paying attention is valuable, the rest of training becomes smoother and more enjoyable for you both.

Ready to get started? Book your consultation today, and let’s build a training plan that helps your dog thrive while strengthening your bond every step of the way.