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Progressing sit and wait: the 3 Ds
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This dynamic game teaches your dog to master their “sit and wait” by tackling the 3 Ds: duration, distance, and distraction! It’s all about building their self-control and focus so they can calmly stay in position, even when things get a bit exciting. You’ll soon have a dog who can reliably “wait” in lots of different situations!
With practice this will help you achieve:
- Waiting patiently at the door
- Staying in position while you open the fridge
- Holding a “wait” at the park
What you'll need
- Plenty of super yummy high-value treats
- A quiet space to start, then gradually add challenges
- Your dog’s happy cooperation!
Step-by-step
- Start with duration: Ask your dog for a sit. Then, start counting silently to yourself for 5-10 seconds. Reward your dog with a treat while they are still sitting, then give them a quick break. Repeat this a few times, gently building up the time they stay in position. You can use a hand signal and a verbal cue like “Wait” to let them know to stay.
- Introduce distance: Next, get your dog into a sit and wait, then take a few steps back. Come back to them and reward them frequently for staying. Remember to reduce the duration initially as you add distance – just a second or two of staying, then reward!
- Add distractions: Now for the fun part – get creative with distractions! While your dog is in a sit and wait, try opening cupboards, turning around, getting down on the floor, or even getting the food pot out! Reward them often for holding their position through these new challenges.
- Regular releases: Remember to release your dog regularly out of their “sit and wait” with a happy “Okay!” or “Free!” This gives them breaks and keeps the game fun.
- Fade the rewards: Gradually reduce how often you reward them as they get the hang of it, but always keep it positive and rewarding.
Top tips for success
- If your dog breaks their sit, no worries! Just calmly reset them and make the next attempt a little easier.
- Keep training sessions short, happy, and positive to build their confidence and enthusiasm.
- Consistency is key! Make sure everyone in the household understands the game.
Members only
This resource is a special perk for our members. To join us, first is to book one of our services. If you’re already a member, log in to enjoy full access.
Struggling with a wiggly, impatient dog?
It's truly wonderful when your dog can stay in a "sit and wait" no matter what's going on around them! If you're struggling to teach your dog to hold their position through distractions, I'm based in Epsom and here to help. A personalised One-to-One session can transform those wiggly moments into super calm and reliable waits!
