Sit to Say Please: Teaching Manners from the Start

by Amy Jensen

Bringing home a new puppy is full of excitement — the wiggly tail, the bright eyes, and that adorable face that melts your heart. But along with all that cuteness comes plenty of enthusiasm that can easily turn into jumping, barking, or even nipping when your puppy wants attention.

That’s where “Sit to Say Please” comes in — a simple but powerful way to teach your puppy that polite behavior gets them what they want.

What Is “Sit to Say Please”?

“Sit to Say Please” is a foundation exercise where your puppy learns to sit calmly to ask for things — whether it’s food, toys, going outside, or greeting people.

In other words, instead of demanding attention by barking, biting, or jumping, your puppy learns that sitting politely makes good things happen. It’s a life skill that sets the tone for all future training and helps your dog become a calm, well-mannered family member.

Why We Use It

This approach works because it taps into one of the most important training principles: dogs repeat behaviors that are rewarded.

When a puppy learns that sitting earns them attention or access, they start offering that behavior automatically. It builds impulse control, reduces frustration, and encourages your puppy to think before acting.

Here are just a few benefits:

• Reduces unwanted behaviors like jumping, barking, and nipping.

• Encourages calmness during greetings or exciting moments.

• Teaches patience and self-control, important life skills for every dog.

• Builds communication and trust between you and your puppy — they learn that you notice and reward good choices.

  
  

It’s not about saying “no” all the time — it’s about teaching your puppy what to do instead.

How to Teach “Sit to Say Please”

You don’t need a special setup or long training sessions. You’ll practice this many times each day in real-life situations. Here’s how:

1. Start with the basics

   1. Make sure your puppy knows how to sit. If not, teach it in a quiet area with treats and praise.

2. Use natural opportunities

   1. Whenever your puppy wants something — food, a toy, attention, going outside — pause for a moment.

   2. Hold what they want close but out of reach.

   3. Wait quietly for your puppy to offer a sit. (You can ask once, “Sit,” if needed, or better yet, show them what to do by luring them into position.)

   4. The moment they sit, say “Yes!” and give them what they wanted.

3. Be consistent

   1. Everyone in the family should practice this — before petting, feeding, or playing. Over time, your puppy will automatically sit when they want something.

4. Practice with guests and children

   1. Puppies often get overexcited with new people, especially kids. Teach guests to ask the puppy to sit before greeting, and remind children that petting only happens when the puppy’s bottom is on the floor.

   2. If your puppy jumps, simply step back and wait.

   3. As soon as they sit, say “Yes!” and let the greeting happen.

This helps your puppy learn that calm behavior makes people come closer — not wild jumping or barking.

Everyday Manners Made Simple

The beauty of “Sit to Say Please” is that it fits naturally into your daily routine. You’ll reinforce calm, polite behavior dozens of times a day without setting aside special training sessions. Your puppy learns that manners matter, you build trust and consistency, and your household becomes calmer and more enjoyable for everyone — human and canine alike.

Remember: training doesn’t have to be complicated — it just needs to be consistent. By teaching your puppy to “Sit to Say Please,” you’re giving them a lifelong skill for polite communication and self-control.