Rowdy Rover Dog Training, LLC

05/03/2026

Yes! 😂

03/11/2026

QUITTING SO MUCH SITTING
Why are we so focused on making our dogs sit for everything?

Maybe because it’s believed that dogs that sit on cue are obedient, well mannered, calm, self-controlled and that sitting is incompatible with an unwanted behaviour. Maybe because we think it looks impressive and allows us to look like we have control.

But is it all really necessary, or more importantly, in the best interests of our dogs, both physically and emotionally in expecting them to sit so much?

Sometimes what we have always been led to believe is not always what’s best for our dogs. As we continue to learn through modern updated methods and ongoing education, our methods and beliefs need to change accordingly.

“Sit” is usually one of the first thing puppies are taught. Just one session at puppy school may include up to 20 or more “sits” - that’s a really high intensity workout for a dog at any age, but puppies in the growing stages are particularly at risk.

These sitting repetitions put excessive pressure on the developing skeletal system which may lead to damage or injury that may only become apparent at an older age.

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 anatomically designed to repeatedly sit.

Asking a fearful or reactive dog to sit in the presence of whatever is triggering that emotion is probably the worst thing to do. The belief that sitting will magically create calmness and stop the negative emotion does not make any logical sense.

There is nothing wrong with teaching our dogs to sit and occasionally asking for sits in certain situations, but look at teaching more natural, alternative behaviours, that are just as effective.

The wise words of Turid Rugaas – “If you yourself want to sit, sit! If you want your dog to sit, think twice!”

For more information on this particular subject, here are some links –

Should we ask our dogs to sit?
https://blog.bharcs.com/2021/03/06/should-we-ask-our-dogs-to-sit/

When, where and how do dogs sit? – by Turid Rugaas
http://www.turid-rugaas.no/sit.html

12/23/2025

10/28/2025

This just makes me smile. If I had a bus, I’d be doing this.

09/12/2025

Train happy!

08/25/2025

08/17/2025

06/09/2025

05/10/2025

Trick 7-10