How Many Times Should You Say Sit?

Okay, full disclosure: This may be a trick question! How many times should you say “sit” or “come” or “leave it”? Essentially, how many times should you repeat a command?

This is one of the more common errors we see: repetition of commands. There are so many reasons why you should be very careful on this point — one command for each skill. To ask more than once is lacking in expectation and will only set you up for a dog who doesn’t listen well.

Clarity

This is number one, most important reason and the BIGGEST problem with repeating commands. It becomes completely foggy for the dog when you’re unclear. If sometimes you expect the dog to sit on one command and other times you’re indifferent, your dog will become confused about what you’re asking. Dogs, like humans, like to have a clear idea of the expectations that are on them. It’s nice to have a clear set of rules in life, isn’t it? Think about how nervous you get when you speed by a sitting police cruiser. The anxiety over whether they’re going to follow you and issue a ticket or whether you got away with having a heavy foot feels weighty, doesn’t it? Imagine being in that state of anxiety all of the time. Some dogs will get very worried if the expectation varies. Some dogs will just learn to tune you out, which will breed frustration in you, the human. Whatever your cue, say…