The Long Sit
The long sit is performed as a group exercise. This means that at the judge's discretion, all competitors perform the exercise together. After the long sit comes the long down. Your rottweiler must sit quietly next to other dogs that are also performing the long sit. You must sit your rottie while in heel position and give him a stay command. Then you turn and walk to the opposite end of the ring, where you stand while the judge times the long sit. The dogs must sit for one minute.
While this may be a competition, it can still be a lot of fun! Don't become so competitive that the experience isn't fun for you or your rottie. Keep in mind that your rottie can pick up on your emotions. If you are tense, chances are he will be too. If you are having fun, then so is he.
Dogs that break the long sit receive no points for that exercise. As the time approaches one minute, the judge will tell the handlers to return to their dogs. At this time, you must return to your rottie, walk around him, and stand next to him so that he is in proper heel position. The judge will then tell you when the exercise is complete.
Teaching the long sit requires that your rottweiler know sit and stay. Build up to longer stays, but stay close to your rottweiler. As he becomes comfortable with the longer stays, gradually lengthen the distance between you and your rottie.
If, at any time, your rottie becomes nervous or starts breaking his stays, drop back to a previous distance where he didn't break his stay. Practice at that level of difficulty for a while before you increase the distance again.
