Show dogs and 'sit'

[Ruby Red]

So now, I was talking [via e-mail] to Honey’s new owner and I mentioned how Honey wouldn’t sit or lie down no matter what I tried or used to encourage her, when he told me that all serious show dogs are taught NOT to sit if they're ever given the command by word, hand signal or persuasion...... Is this is true? I have never heard of anything like this before – has anyone else?

In every other way Honey was brilliant and picked up other commands pretty quickly.

[KeeperBoy]

Yep. Show dogs are usually not encouraged to sit. I don't know about not doing it, even if told to, but the dogs in our classes who show don't usually sit.

[bruinsBoxers]

Many (older ) show breeders do not want their dogs to sit . Heaven forbid they sit in the ring .

I do think that is changing though .

I showed in both obed and conformation at the same time with the same dog . He learned that depending on what collar he had on show collar/ lead vs choke what he should do ( or not do).

And just to be safe you just teach the stand command ( which is needed in obed anyway) and stay .

[Ruby Red]

Wow, so interesting, thanks for your replies. Interesting what you say Missi about different collars as well. I have never been involved with showing dogs and I had no idea about any of this.