Duration and Distance

A one-second sit is a start, not a skill. Stretch it two ways.

• Duration — ask for a sit, then silently count to five before you mark and reward. Build slowly toward longer holds. If the dog pops up, you pushed too fast; back off and rebuild.
• Distance — once the hold is solid, take one step back, return, then mark and reward. Grow it step by step until you can cross the room.

The one rule: stretch one variable at a time. Never add seconds and steps in the same session, or the whole thing falls apart.