Canine exercises - Sit to stand

Sit to stand

The sit-to-stand exercise is the classic squat movement for dogs. The goal is for your dog to sit and stand in a square position, with both the front and hind paws parallel and directly underneath the body. This position serves as the foundation for all other exercises and should be mastered to achieve a perfectly square sit and stand. To help your dog maintain proper alignment, you can create a channel using blocks to guide their movement. Additionally, foot targets can be helpful in assisting your dog through the different types of sit.

There are three types of sits that a dog can perform: 1) The tuck sit, where the front paws stay still while the hind legs move forward into the sitting position. 2) The rock-back sit, where the rear paws stay in place and the legs flex into position, with the front paws stepping backward to complete the sit. 3) The combo sit, which combines both the front legs moving backward and the hind legs moving forward. While any of these sits can be used, we prefer the rock-back sit for fitness exercises. This type of sit engages the quadriceps eccentrically, while activating the hamstrings and gluteal muscles. The forelimbs are also engaged through the activation of the supraspinatus, biceps, and triceps muscles. The tuck sit, on the other hand, places more emphasis on the core and engages the thoracic sling muscles. However, the load on the pelvic limbs is less in the tuck sit compared to the rock-back sit.

Why is this important?

Our dogs are always being asked for a sit. Sit for a treat. Sit to cross the road. Some dogs even have to do sits for competition or work such as in Gundog sports. If a dog cannot sit properly or hold a sit it could be due to pain and discomfort. If we can alleviate the pain and ensure our dog is comfortable, we can then work on the form of the sit.

What are we looking for?

A square sit pushing into a square stand. You can work on the different types of sit also to work different muscle groups.

What are we not looking for?

When we look at a dog in sitting, there can be various factors which make a 'bad sit'. Here are a few of the most common ones.

Hindlimbs too wide

Prominent in dogs with hindlimb weaknesses such as hip dysplasia.

Sit to one side

Often a dogs go to sit for resting and relaxing. Can be a sign of pain if they always choose one leg to sit on.

Forelimbs too wide

Prominent in dogs with forelimb conditions such as elbow dysplasia

Attention should be made to making sure the sit and stand is straight, not leaning to one side or offloading a limb.

Anatomy: Strengthens the hip and stifle extensor muscles to improve range of motion

Key engagement of: quadriceps, hamstrings ,gluteals, gastrocnemius, supraspinatus, biceps and triceps .

Rock-back sit uses the hip stabilisers and hamstrings work to control the descent into a sit. The push forward engages quadriceps and hip flexors. Hip stabilisers are engaged to keep sit square. Mainly works on the hind-end. This is the easier for the dogs to do.

Tuck-back sit engages the thoracic sling to stabilise shoulders and recruit core abdominal muscles including the reduces abdomens and psoas to bring hindlegs forward into a sit. Mainly works on the front-end. Harder of the 2 for the dog to do.

What do I need? A flat, non-slip surface and treats if your dog needs incentive

Duration? Start with 6 reps of sit to stand, rest and repeat x6. If you are training the sit for the first time you may need to work on this for a longer period of time.

This exercise can be found in level 1 of our Paws Up Academy dog training online physiotherapy program. Find out more here: https://www.pawsup.uk/academy