Come Front → Sit (Bowl)

Come Front → Sit (Bowl) builds a clear, reliable front position using a simple, repeatable loop.
Your dog learns to come in close, line up in front of you, and settle into a sit — with reinforcement delivered away from your body to support clean resets and re-engagement.

This game is especially useful for recall foundations, front finishes, and dogs who tend to crowd, drift, or hover after reinforcement.

What You’ll Need

• An open, quiet space

• Small, tasty treats

• A small bowl or plate to place the food on

• A flat, non-slip target for your dog to stand on

How to Play It

• Place the target on the floor directly in front of you and your bowl off to the side.

• Call your dog to come to you.

• As your dog steps onto the target:

  • They offer an automatic sit

  • Or you cue the sit.

• Mark and deliver a treat in a bowl placed off to the side.

• Let your dog finish the food, then repeat.

• When their do, mark and place a treat in the bowl— 🚫 no treat to mouth.

• Repeat the pattern Shake → Bowl → Back to You

3 in 3 Breakdown

Skills

Engagement
Your dog practises finishing reinforcement and immediately moving back into position with you.

Clear front positioning
The target gives your dog a precise destination, no guessing.

Recall foundations
Practising a consistent “come → front” pattern builds confidence and clarity when your dog comes in close.

Enrichment

Cognitive enrichment (mental stimulation)
Your dog tracks the pattern, remembers what comes next, and stays engaged in the loop. It’s simple, but it still requires focus and thinking.

Social enrichment
You’re actively doing this together. It’s real one-on-one time that feels more like fun than work, building communication, cooperation, and connection.

Confidence building
The predictability of the game creates fast, easy wins. Your dog knows what’s coming and how to succeed.

Movement

Changing levels and direction
Sitting, standing, and then moving out toward the bowl encourages your dog to shift between positions and directions in a controlled, thoughtful way.

Body organization
Stepping onto a target and sitting square helps your dog organize their body before settling.

Hind-end and core engagement
Sitting, standing, and then walking out to the bowl naturally uses your dog’s hind legs and core as they shift weight, push up, and move forward.