Proofing the Sit

A flawless sit in your quiet living room means little if your dog falls apart at the park. Proofing is practicing the same cue in steadily harder places: another room, the backyard, a calm sidewalk, then a busy street.

Add distractions one at a time. Drop a toy. Have someone stroll past. Bounce a ball. Each time your dog holds through a new challenge, jackpot them — three treats, fast, in a row. If they break, the distraction was too big; make it easier and win again.