Capture/Sit in Front
Week 1
Full Class Instructions and Demonstration
Watch the video below to hear our instructors discuss the importance of Capturing a behavior and Sitting in Front from Laura and Penny!
Quick Notes
Choose and use a clear release word (such as “Go” or any word that feels natural) so your puppy knows when they are allowed to move again
Ask your puppy to sit and carefully watch for the exact moment their butt touches the floor
Immediately mark the behavior with a positive marker word like “Good” right when the sit happens — timing is very important
Give a treat after marking to reward the sit
Use your release word after the reward to let your puppy move again
Demonstration of an Error
Teacher Demonstration - Can you spot the error?
It’s important to not only show the proper examples, but also to show an example of the skill being shown incorrectly so that we can learn! Watch as Laura points out a key mistake involving cue timing.
Class Experience
Practice at home!
Now it’s time for you to try with your puppy and remember for this skill, timing is everything!
Upload a video
Be sure to send us a video demonstrating this behavior as well so we can give you personalized training advice with our virtual video service.
Post Lesson Discussion
Supplemental tips and content
Avoid marking late — do not mark when the puppy is eating or after the behavior is finished
Say the command only once — do not repeat “sit” over and over
If your puppy doesn’t sit right away, gently help guide them into position instead of repeating the command
To build longer sits, offer several treats while your puppy remains sitting, lowering your hand and bringing it back up to encourage staying in position
Reward quickly at first, then slowly increase how long your puppy stays sitting before releasing them