Say Please: Voluntary Sits

Did you know that you can easily teach your dog to Sit automatically in certain situations?

Automatic, volunteered behaviors (defaults) are a feature of a well-behaved dog, and ideally they start in puppyhood.

But don’t stop reading if your dog is all grown up and not very polite. It’s not too late!

If you routinely ask your dog to Sit before handing over a treat, toy, or meal, attaching the leash, opening the door, etc., you can stop cueing and just wait for it.

When your dog understands that getting what he wants depends on his own polite behavior, he will soon be throwing himself enthusiastically into Sits. And also paying more attention to you.  

Getting our dogs to volunteer desirable behaviors is actually easy: Simply reward every time they choose to do them on their own, as well as when you do ask for (cue) them. 

This kind of training, called capturing, is the opposite of obedience. The dog performs a desirable behavior, and all we have to do is notice and reward them whenever it happens.

Two excellent Defaults are sitting (or lying down, which some dogs prefer) and checking in (eye contact), especially useful for loose-leash walks.

We provide the reinforcers (aka rewards) that make any behavior stronger: whatever our dog loves or wants in the moment.  

Behaviors that are reinforced the most become defaults. For many dogs, jumping up or barking always gets reinforced with attention, so they persist. Instead of trying to “correct” them (which actually backfires), we can replace the jumping or whatever with a default Sit.

Note that by definition, polite Defaults are not cued. They are offered when your dog wants something from you. We can think of them as a way to communicate, to say Please or I need your help.

A bonus effect is that the Default will also happen when your dog isn’t sure what to do—instead of those rude or unruly behaviors (which must not be reinforced with attention).

Capturing is so easy and effective! For any behavior you want more of, 

1. See it

2. Mark it (with a click or YES!) and

3. Praise and reward with something your dog loves, like a small yummy treat, and attention.

As always, if you have questions or need help, get in touch.