Transforming Sit into Speak: The Power of Manding in Puppy Training

April Pawz
Jan 1
3 min read

When most dog owners think of the "sit" command, they see it as a simple way to keep their puppy still or polite. But what if sitting was more than just a command? What if it was a way for your puppy to communicate with you? This idea lies at the heart of a powerful training method called manding.

Manding turns the traditional "sit" into a meaningful conversation starter. It gives puppies a voice to ask for what they want, helping build better communication, emotional control, and a stronger bond between you and your dog.

Eye-level view of a puppy sitting calmly in a living room, looking attentively at its owner — A puppy sitting calmly to communicate with its owner

What Is Manding?

Manding is a behavioral protocol that teaches puppies to sit as a way to request something, rather than just obey a command. This concept was popularized by Jane Killion through her Puppy Culture program. Unlike traditional training where the owner commands the dog to sit, manding encourages the puppy to choose to sit in order to communicate a need or desire.

Research from institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and the Royal Veterinary College has long studied how dogs communicate naturally, especially maternal behaviors. Manding builds on this by focusing on intentional communication between a puppy and its environment, especially its human family.

How Manding Works

The puppy learns that sitting is a polite way to ask for something, such as a treat, a toy, or attention.
Instead of jumping, barking, or pawing, the puppy uses sitting as a calm and clear request.
This teaches the puppy to regulate emotions and impulses, offering a calm behavior when excited or uncertain.
It gives the puppy a sense of agency, allowing them to influence their world without resorting to frustration or misbehavior.

The Sit Command as a Request

Traditional dog training often treats "sit" as a command to be obeyed. Manding flips this idea by making the sit a choice the puppy makes to start an interaction. When a puppy sits to ask for something, it is essentially saying "please" in dog language.

This shift from command to communication changes the dynamic between owner and puppy. It becomes less about control and more about understanding and cooperation.

Examples of Manding in Action

A puppy sits calmly by the door to ask to go outside.
Instead of jumping on a guest, the puppy sits to request petting.
When feeling unsure, the puppy sits to signal a need for reassurance.

These examples show how manding helps puppies express themselves clearly and calmly.

Why Manding Matters

Manding transforms the relationship between you and your puppy. It moves beyond simple obedience to build mutual understanding and respect.

Benefits of Manding

Impulse Control: Puppies learn to pause and sit instead of reacting impulsively.
Social Intelligence: Sitting to ask shows the puppy understands social cues and appropriate behavior.
Emotional Growth: Puppies develop better emotional regulation by offering calm behaviors.
Stronger Bond: Communication builds trust and connection between owner and puppy.

By recognizing the sit as a communication tool, owners support their puppy’s emotional and social development from the start.

How to Teach Manding

Teaching manding requires patience and consistency. Here are practical steps to get started:

Encourage Sitting to Ask
When your puppy wants something, wait for them to sit before giving it. For example, if your puppy wants a treat, only give it after they sit calmly.
Reinforce Calm Behavior
Reward the puppy immediately when they sit to request. Use treats, praise, or play as positive reinforcement.

Avoid Giving Attention for Jumping or Barking
Ignore unwanted behaviors and only respond when the puppy sits politely.
Use Clear Cues
You can add a verbal cue like "ask" or "please" to help the puppy associate sitting with requesting.