The reason we make dogs sit is usually to gain control over them and help them calm down. But does this method actually work, and are there better alternatives? Which dogs succeed with sitting as a calming technique, and why? Also, are there any dogs that should not be asked to sit?  Sitting is offered as a natural behavior by dogs for many reasons such as watching, waiting, and submission or acquiescing. So how can we tell if asking a dog to sit is achieving the desired behavior?  Join me and my mentor, friend and guest, Phyllis Smuland of Canine Counselor Inc. as we dissect the common practice of dog sitting, why we do it, and if we need to.  

There are several photos we reference during this talk.  To view the photos please go to my Facebook page Hart to Heart Canine Dated 1-27-25 https://www.facebook.com/share/19gQocof5H/

Also I will post this podcat on my Youtube channel - What Dogs HAve Taught Me - and insert the photos into the audio for you to see.  https://www.youtube.com/@juliehartdogrehab/videos

Phyllis' website is www.caninecounselorinc.com


Sitting: Why, What it Does, and How it's Best Used

Have you ever stopped to wonder if we're truly grasping the lessons our canine companions  are trying to teach us? I'm Julie Hart, expert dog rehabilitator, here with something you may not know: the greatest teachers about dogs aren't necessarily human – they're actually the dogs themselves. 

Welcome to What Dogs Have Taught Me, where we dive deep into the educational, practical, and sometimes controversial aspects of understanding our canine companions. Join me and a lineup of special guests and industry professionals as we tackle the struggles of dog training and rehabilitation, offering honest and truthful insights into how to navigate them using dogs as our guides.

Whether you're a seasoned dog trainer, a devoted rescuer, a loving foster parent, or simply someone who shares their life with a dog, this podcast is for you. My mission is to enhance the lives of dogs and humans alike by sharing the unique perspective of our four-legged friends and uncovering what we can learn from them. Get ready for entertaining stories, factual research, and practical tips that you can implement right away.

With over a decade of experience rehabilitating and training dogs for clients and rescue, I've had the privilege of working with some of the most challenging cases, including severe fearful and feral dogs. Through fostering, rescuing, and training thousands of dogs, I've honed my approach and integrated the wisdom of my mentors with my own style. As a Certified Relationship-Based Trainer and a Certified Dog Trainer, I'm committed to applying the true essence of training principles into my work.

So, whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of dog behavior, refine your training techniques, or simply revel in the magic of all things dogs, you're in the right place. Let’s have a Hart to Heart!

New tracks tagged #why make dogs sit