[Zoey's Mommy]

Our last 4 dogs have been up around the 80-100 lb range, so I haven't even considered "sit pretty" in 20 years. Is there any sort of weight guideline?

Clearly, Zoey at 115lbs, should NOT be sitting pretty. It would have to be hard on her back... but what about a BC Mix? I see lots of other BC's doing "sit pretty," but is it really safe for their backs?

 

[Niraya]

My 52 pound Siberian does a "Sit pretty" I don't make her hold it or anything but she can do it.

 

[sassafras]

Big dogs can sit pretty - Squash is ~82# and can do it, although he doesn't hold it for very long. For a bigger dog, you just need to stand behind them so you can brace their back with your legs while they learn how to balance and build up some core strength. You can lean over to lure up and back towards you. Just like people, the core strength with protect their back as they transition to doing it without you bracing them.

 

[Miss Bugs]

personally I think its more how the dog is built then size.

 

[lil_fuzzy]

I've seen a German Shepherd sit pretty. He did struggle a little though, but it's just a matter of practising and building core muscles and balance isn't it?

 

[Zoey's Mommy]

I don't know why, but I thought there would be some sort of weight limit. I would never dream of having my big barrel chested Rott/Lab Mix try that, assumed it would be terrible for her back.

 

[Elliebell]

I think it's more shape than size. My standard poodle is quite barrel chested and can't sit pretty. I think it's because she's top heavy, which makes it very hard for her. I was trying to build her core strength, but every once in a while her spine will twist when she falls which can't be good for her back, so I gave up. I've seen a border collie that's her size but I little more... ehm... "cylindrical" do it pretty well.

 

[GottaLuvMutts]

Kit does it and holds it as long as I want. She can also stand up out of that position and then hold a stand stay (2 legs). Her core strength and balance is phenomenal, which comes in handy for disc and agility, and I think when done in moderation, the "sit pretty" exercise is probably good. She's 40lbs.

 

[KBLover]

For a little dog, no real harm can come of it? I ask because Wally loves doing this. He does it so easily and readily after first struggling with it. Now he'll just raise up and even stretch/wave his front paws, bark, stand up all the way on back paws from the position. He offers it, like, a lot during shaping, too.

I make him use it in other places - looks weird when he's doing it on my lap, but, hey like was said, good exercise him and a bit more challenge.