Paws to Progress: Why We Do "Doggy Push-Ups" in Training

after a solid round of Doggy Push-Ups, Shilo poses proudly—tongue out, tail wagging—showing off those sharp ”sit” and “down” transitions! Those focused eyes and perked ears prove it: obedience training =happy, confident pups.

Welcome back to Paws to Progress, the blog where we break down your dog’s training journey at Diamond Dogs Dog Training! Today, we’re talking about "Doggy Push-Ups" (a.k.a. Sit-Down-Sit drills), a key exercise we introduced in Shilo’s second session. 

You might be wondering: Why are we making my dog do puppy calisthenics? The answer? It’s not just about obedience—it’s about building trust, focus, and reliability—one rep at a time. 

What Are Doggy Push-Ups? 
This drill involves having your dog rapidly switch between “sit” and “down” on command. Think of it like a canine workout for the brain and body!

Other trainers call it: 
- Puppy Push-Ups 
- Sit-Down-Sit Drills 
- Up-Downs 
- Obedience Push-Ups 

Why Do We Use Them in Training? 
1. Strengthens Core Commands 
Repeating “sit” → “down” → “sit” ingrains these cues into your dog’s muscle memory, making them second nature. 

2. Builds Handler Influence
If your dog obeys even during boring drills, they’ll listen better when it really matters—like near distractions or at a distance. 

3. Tests (and Improves) Reliability
- Close range (Session 1): Dog responds while right beside you. 
- 6+ feet away (Goal for Shilo!): Proves your dog respects your authority even when you’re not hovering. 
- 50+ feet (Advanced): The ultimate test of off-leash trust! 

4. Boosts Mental Stamina
Switching positions quickly forces your dog to focus and problem-solve, tiring them out mentally (great for high-energy pups!). 

5. Prepares for Real-World Situations 
A dog that can sit from a down at a distance is less likely to bolt into traffic, jump on guests, or ignore you at the park. 

How We Progress in Training
At Diamond Dogs Dog Training, we structure Doggy Push-Ups in phases: 

Phase 1: On-Leash, Close Proximity (Session 1-2) 
- Short, reward-heavy reps (3-5 at a time). 
- Focus on clean transitions (no creeping forward!). 

Phase 2: Add Distance & Mild Distractions (Next Sessions) 
- Step back **1 foot → 3 feet → 6 feet** (Shilo’s next challenge!). 
- Introduce distractions (e.g., tossing a treat nearby, having another dog walk by). 

Phase 3: Off-Leash & Advanced Proofing
- Silent commands (hand signals only). 
- Speed drills (“How many reps in 30 seconds?”). 
- Real-world testing (parks, sidewalks, etc.). 

Meet Shilo’s Goals!
In today’s session, we: 
Practiced 3 clean Sit-Down-Sit cycles with rewards. 
Started adding slight distance (owner took 1 step back). 
Worked on impulse control (no lunging for treats until released!). 

Next session: We’ll increase distance and introduce a “stay” before the “sit” to level up! 

Try This at Home!

5-Minute Daily Drill:
1. Ask for a “sit.”
2. Command “down.”
3. Immediately return to “sit.”
4. Reward after 2-3 reps. 
5. Gradually step farther away each day! 

Final Thought
Doggy Push-Ups might seem simple, but they’re a powerful tool to build a dog who listens anywhere, anytime. Stay tuned for Session 3, where we’ll incorporate “stay” and recall into Shilo’s routine! 

Need help? Book a private session with our team. Get In Touch!

Keep training, keep trusting, and keep progressing!  

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Would you like a video demo of Shilo’s drills?

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