🐾 Strike a Pose!

Subject Line: Strike a Pose, You Fabulous Fluffball 💁‍♀️
Preview Text: This week, I teach you the secret to sitting pretty. Because being this cute should be a trick, too.

🎀 Oh hey, it’s me—Biscuit!

Your favorite fashion-forward, treat-motivated, paws-itively fabulous Sheltie.

This week on Trick of the Week, I’m teaching your human how to train you (yes, you) to do what I call the “Sit Pretty.” That’s right—sit up on your haunches, paws in the air, look adorable, get treats. Basically, it’s yoga... but for attention.

Let’s break it down so even your hooman can follow along. (No offense hoomans)

💡 What is “Sit Pretty”?

Sit Pretty is when a dog sits on their hind legs with their front paws up—like a meerkat auditioning for a dog food commercial. It builds core strength, balance, and outrageous levels of cuteness.

🍪 What You’ll Need:

• Treats (like, the GOOD ones. Don’t get stingy!)

• A dog who already knows how to sit

• A clicker or a marker word like “Yes!”

• Patience. For both species involved.

🐕 Step-by-Step Instructions from a Sheltie Superstar:

1. Start with a Sit
Put your dog in a nice solid sit. We’re talking park-your-fluff-on-the-floor sit. None of that halfway hover nonsense.

2. Lure ‘Em Up
Hold a treat just above their nose and slowly lift it upward and slightly backward. Their head should tilt up and their front paws might lift.
💬 Trainer Biscuit says: “We’re going for balance, not a backflip.”

3. Reward Any Lift
At first, even a paw twitch gets a reward. You want them to know they’re on the right track. Click instantly (or say “Yes!”) and give them that snackity-snack.

4. Build That Core!
Gradually ask for more height. Eventually, they’ll sit all the way back on their hind legs with their paws in the air like a furry little circus performer. Mark it and treat!

5. Add the Cue
Once they’re doing the move consistently, add your cue. You can say:

• “Sit Pretty”

• “Beg”

• Or my personal favorite: “Show Off”

6. Practice in Bursts
Short sessions are best—this one’s a little workout. Don’t overdo it or your dog will pretend they forgot how to sit and flop dramatically.

🧠 Biscuit’s Bonus Tips:

• If your dog struggles, try practicing next to a wall or in a corner to help with balance.

• Got a long-legged lanky dog (like I was?) This trick is harder for them—work slower.

• Don’t forget to capture that perfect photo. Then tag meor share it with me. I love to see how my furry friends are doing!

📸 Trick Challenge!

Can your pup Strike a Pose like I can?
Send us your best “Sit Pretty” picture and we might feature it in the next newsletter. Extra points for costumes. Obviously. Costumes rule.