Sit Politely For Petting
Before we can attempt to get our dog to sit politely for petting, they have to be able to sit politely in the presence of other people first. If your dog can not maintain a sit in heel position while new people are in close proximity, they aren’t ready for this exercise. Refer back to intense heeling and continue to distract them with training from the people.
This exercise requires a second person (stranger/novel human) to help train.
- Start with your dog sitting at heel position, with the leash in walking position.
- The novel person should approach from in front of you, so the dog can see them coming.
- Have the novel person walk passed your dog on the dogs left side. For this step they should not interact with the dog in any way. No talking, eye contact or petting.
- If your dog breaks their sit in heel position, take an immediate step forward. When timed correctly, the leash should interrupt their attempt to say hello and force them to move forward with you.
- If your dog maintains their sit, praise them, rest and move on to the next step.
- Have the novel person walk passed your dog on the dog’s left side, increasing criteria using the following guideline ONLY if the dog maintains the sit on your left side. If your dog breaks position, repeat the current step until they are successful.
- Pass with arm extended so the dog can sniff them.
- Pass and gently pet the cheek/neck of the dog.
- Pass and pet the dog on the top of the head.
- Pass and talk sweetly to the dog as they approach.
- Pass, talk sweetly to the dog and pet the dog on the top of the head.
- Approach, stop in front of the dog, then pet the dog on the top of the head.
- Approach, engage dog in an exciting way, pet them.
If your dog is afraid of other people and is showing avoidance at any step, DO NOT MOVE ON, even if they are maintaining the sit. Stay at the current step until your dog is comfortable and confident with people passing.
When your dog can make it through all the above steps, repeat the exercise with the dog in a sit/stay, 6ft away from you. This time if your dog breaks the sit, you will correct the stay like a normal sit stay instead of moving your dog forward.