Firstly ensure you that are on a non-slip surface with traction (e.g. carpet, grass or yoga mat).
- Ask your dog into a sit. Encourage a square sit with both hindlimbs tucked into the body. If your dog struggles to do this, then your therapist may have advised how to achieve this – either via a plank or pole to restrict the distance, or a slightly raised object fitted to their body size.
- Ask them up into a stand. If they do not know this command, you may have to lure them up with a treat. Try and avoid them stepping forwards. This can be achieved by simply placing your foot in front of their front legs, and/or by scratching their belly as you use the command. If they are using an object to sit on, align their front feet with the front of the object before asking for the stand. This type of action is called a “kickback” stand.
Aim to only “treat” with the stand command, as we do not want your dog to think the main aim here is the sit, as the key for this exercise is correct sit position but also correct push up afterwards.