Your dog can now sit for long periods of time even without eye contact. Most likely you can take him out and about and still have a pretty decent sit. Now we can start working on more challenging stuff, to help your dog understand that sit means sit All The Time. Not just in a specific scenario (like when you’re training.)

This next step introduces your dog to the idea that even if you move, he can’t. It sounds quite simple and easy, but to your dog it’s a pretty big deal. Fortunately you’ve set yourself up for success by doing the sit without eye contact first, and also to sit until given a break command.

You Will Need:

Treats
A fairly sizable distraction free room.
Completed The No Eyecontact training
Clicker (optional)

Start Circling

Start in a room big enough to walk a circle comfortably around your dog. Put your dog in sit and take a few steps around your dog. He may automatically get up to face you. If he does, replace him in the exact position he was before, facing the exact same direction. Start the sideways motion as before, but try to stop before he turns.

When you succesfully make it to the side a little bit without him turning, go back to your original position, break the command, and heavily reward your dog. (Click for any progress if you are clicker training)

You might have to take micro-steps with this one, but keep at it, little by little adding more of the circle, until you can walk a complete circle around your dog without him moving.

Important: It’s okay if your dog turns his head to look at you, but not okay if his butt or front feet move.

Keep practicing until you can go around the dog in both directions, pause for a second directly behind your dog, and also repeat the same exercise in a completely different room.

Ready for the next step? Hooray!