Sit from the front

While working commands from in front of your dog, do not practice the recall or come command, until he is proficient with the other aspects of these commands, or you'll create problems with all of the following.

Although we've just learned the command "sit from the side" or heel position, and as with most commands, each different position or shall we say "orientation", will appear to your dog, to be an all-together different command. Even commands given from a different distance than what has been familiar, is equally as difficult as learning the command was initially.

The hand signal is only slightly different, being given with the right hand.
As it was with the original command from the side, we'll give a full upward sweep of the hand, bringing it up from your side by your leg, 'till the forearm is parallel to the ground with the palm up.

Once he becomes familiar with your commands, the signal can be diminished to just cupping your hand briefly. When you ask your dog to come, it is required that he sit himself so as to be lined up in front of you, his toes about 6 inches in front of your toes. This is a crucial element of establishing strict discipline. It is a good barometer of how readily your dog is willing to work for you. If he comes and sits directly in front of you with his back toward you, that could indicate several possibilities. .