Every dog parent has likely been here at some point: you’ve got your hand on the door, leash ready, and your dog’s tail is a happy blur. The second the latch clicks, your pup is ready to blast through the doorway like an Olympic sprinter— nearly yanking your arm off in the process.
At JM Pet Resort & Veterinary Clinic, we see these moments not as battles of will, but as golden opportunities to teach focus, patience, and trust. That exact moment when your dog decides they’re auditioning to become a cheetah is when our trainers respond with motivational obedience dog training techniques to teach a foundational skill we call “Good Sits.”
A “Good Sit” isn’t just about planting paws or bums on the ground; it’s about teaching your dog to “PAWS”. Whether at doorways, gates, or getting into and out of the car, this exercise creates a moment of calm focus that allows you to move forward with confidence. It’s a powerful tool for enhancing safety, promoting good manners, and strengthening the bond between you and your canine companion. (Yes, you really can teach an old dog new tricks!).
What is a “Good Sit”?
Think of it as your dog’s polite way of saying, “Please?” Whether they want to go outside, eat dinner, or get a belly rub, a Good Sit encourages patience over pushiness. Instead of jumping or charging ahead, your pup learns to pause, make eye contact, and wait for your cue—turning everyday interactions into teachable moments.
At JM Pet Resort, our motivational obedience training is rooted in the principle of “Nothing for Free.” This means dogs earn what they want—like food, attention, or playtime—by offering good behaviors first. The Good Sit is a foundational skill we reinforce with praise, treats, and encouragement, so your dog naturally wants to offer it.
Consistency is key, which is why we integrate Good Sits into daily routines: before getting out of the car, before meals, during playtime, when returning indoors, and while you wait in line to pick up your pup after a fun day at PLAYtrain® Doggie Daycare. With practice, the behavior becomes second nature, giving you a simple, positive way to reinforce training at home.
Why We Teach Good Sits at JM Pet Resort
The Good Sit is more than a behavior; it’s a mindset shift. Learning that good manners open doors (literally!) helps your dog build confidence, impulse control, and trust. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective ways we encourage applying the “Nothing for Free” principle in real life.
3 Reasons Why We Teach Good Sits:
1. Good Manners Start Here
A dog who sits politely instead of leaping on guests or rushing out of the car or the house shows respect, self-control, and good manners. It makes your pup a joy to live with and bring along on adventures because you can trust they won’t be darting out the door or knocking people over when greeting them.
2. Trust and Respect Build a Strong Partnership
One of our 5 Paw Print Principles, the core values we uphold at JM Pet Resort, is to support life-long, harmonious relationships between people and their pets. That’s why setting the standard for “Good Sits” is not about control; it’s about communication. Each pause teaches your dog to check in with you, building confidence and reinforcing your role as a calm, reliable, and consistent leader.
3. Calm Dog Behavior = Safety
Imagine opening your front door and your dog bolting down the street before you can even grab the leash. Terrifying. A reliable sit at thresholds prevents this from happening, keeps your dog safe, and makes everyday moments less stressful—for both you and your pup. This is real-life dog doorway training that reinforces impulse control in all environments.
How to Teach Dogs to Sit
Whether your pup is arriving for Grooming or leaving Daycare, the routine is the same: our team uses positive reinforcement—praise, gentle guidance, and rewards—to encourage sits at every transition point. Here’s how pet parents can also practice at home:
Step 1: Show It, Then Name It
If you're just starting training, your dog likely doesn’t know what the word “sit” means yet, so start with a lure:
- Hold a treat in your hand, palm facing up.
- Slowly lift it from in front of your pup’s nose up towards the sky. As they follow the treat with their nose, their natural anatomy encourages their rear end to lower into a sitting position.
- As soon as your dog’s bottom touches the ground, say “Yes!” and reward them with the treat. After a few repetitions, add the verbal cue “Sit” right as they begin to move into the position.
Trainer Tip: Timing is everything! Reward only when your dog is fully sitting. If the reward is given too early, they may link the reward to the wrong behavior.
Step 2: Add a Hand Signal
The motion of your palm moving upward as you guide the treat naturally becomes your hand signal for sit. Once your dog starts responding consistently, you can begin using the hand signal alone, without the lure treat in hand, for clearer and more effective communication.
Step 3: Practice in Different Environments
Start indoors where there are fewer distractions, then gradually practice in the backyard, at the park, or before or during walks. Dogs don’t automatically generalize behaviors, so it’s important to practice ‘Sit’ in a variety of real-life situations.
Step 4: Use a Treat Pouch for Consistency
A treat pouch can be one of the most effective training tools you’ll ever own. Having rewards within quick reach allows you to capture the exact moment your dog sits correctly, reinforcing the behavior with perfect timing. It also makes training on walks or during playtime more practical and consistent.
Patience is critical for success! Remember, training doesn’t happen overnight. Every dog learns at their own pace, and consistency is more important than speed. Celebrate small wins, keep training sessions short and positive, and provide plenty of opportunities for your dog to practice. Soon, your dog will begin offering to sit on their own as a way of politely asking for your attention— proof that the lesson has truly clicked.
Take the Next Steps in Obedience Training
Sit is only the beginning of your dog’s obedience journey. Once your dog understands the basics, you can move on to commands that build on their impulse control and calm behavior. If you want guidance from the pros, our certified trainers can give you and your dog the skills to succeed. Learn more about our Dog Training classes:
- Puppy Kindergarten: For young puppies learning the foundations of good behavior, socialization, and early obedience.
- Puppy Elementary: For older puppies ready to build on their skills and practice obedience in more distracting environments.
- Basic Obedience: For dogs 10 months and older who are ready to learn more advanced commands, such as Stay, Heel, and Place, while strengthening communication with their pet parent and building on what they already know.
These programs go beyond just teaching commands; they create well-mannered companions who are calm, confident, and respectful both at home and in public.
The Everyday Power of a Good Sit
Teaching your dog to sit isn’t just checking off a box in obedience training; it's building a shared language that helps your dog feel secure, calm, and connected to you. It helps them check in with you, build self-control, and stay safe, all while deepening the bond between you. Whether you’re heading out for a walk, loading up the car, or welcoming guests, that quick pause sets the tone for composed, respectful behavior and gentle greetings.
Every time your dog pauses and looks to you for guidance, they’re not just practicing a skill; they’re telling you they trust you. And that’s the heart of everything we do at JM Pet Resort & Veterinary Clinic.