Sit pretty is one of those tricks that looks absolutely adorable—and when it’s physically safe for your dog, it can be a lot of fun for both of you. In this video I walk you through how I teach it using positive reinforcement, by breaking the behaviour down into small, achievable approximations. Huge thanks to Maddison Fardell from Dreamchaser Dogs for creating and demonstrating the training steps. I start with the basics: a comfortable sit on a non-slippery surface so your dog feels confident and stable. Then I use a simple lure (upwards and slightly back—not too high) and I mark and reward any effort, starting with tiny weight shifts and head lifts. From there, I reinforce one paw off the floor, then two paws, and then I swap the food lure for the same hand signal without food in my hand. Finally, I show you how to build balance and duration safely using a “ping pong” approach (1 second, 2 seconds, half a second, 3 seconds, etc.). If your dog struggles, I want you to simply go back a step for a few reps and make it easier—this is how we keep training fun, humane, and successful. And if your dog has a bigger build or physical limitations, this behaviour may not be appropriate—check with your veterinarian first.