Our cue challenges are a fun way for dogs to practice basic manners during daycare, and our caretakers reinforce these skills throughout group activities. While we love helping your dog learn, these challenges are meant to help support good habits, not replace real training or consistent practice at home. To build stronger, long-lasting obedience skills, it’s essential for families to work on these skills at home. If you need help, we have training options available for you to explore here. If you are practicing or teaching any of these cues at home keep sessions short and positive! If you or your dog is growing frustrated or getting tired its best to end the session. But make sure to end on a high note by asking your do to do a cue they have down and you can reward them for!
The sit cue is one of the most valuable skills for a dog in a group setting because it creates a moment of calm and focus in an otherwise energetic environment. Asking a dog to sit helps prevent jumping, crowding, and overexcited behavior, making greeting friends and other staff easier. It also gives the caretaker a reliable way to safely move dogs between inside and outside or to settle down after playing. By practicing sit regularly, dogs learn self-control, build confidence, and develop a polite habit that benefits them in almost every situation.
How to Practice at Home
You can easily practice the sit cue at home with a dog just starting out, or if they have the cue down! For beginners, start out by holding the treat by their nose and slowly move the treat towards the back of their head, while saying sit. Most dogs will naturally lower their backs and sit. When they do sit, praise and reward them! Once they start to learn the motion, begin saying sit before guiding them, and gradually stop using your hand to guide them. Once they have sat down, start using sit in natural moments, like before meals, greeting people, going outside, or coming back in!