Build a Sit for Petting

Use this to prepare your dog for calm greetings with people they meet in public.

1Have your dog sit at your side as a person passes about 15 feet away; mark and reward while your dog remains seated and responsive.
2Decrease the passing distance to 10 feet, then 5 feet, practicing each distance separately.
3At 5 feet, speak briefly with the person; mark and reward if your dog remains seated and responsive.
4Have the person approach, stop, and ask to pet your dog; mark and reward before any contact occurs.
5Practice briefly petting your dog yourself before adding contact from a helper.
6Have a helper reach toward your dog without making contact; mark and reward the stay, then reset.
7If your dog remains seated and available for contact, allow one brief touch to the chest or shoulder, then pause before gradually adding more.

Move at your dog's pace, and advocate for your dog throughout the greeting.