A well-trained dog is a pleasure to be with, so when your dog suddenly stops sitting on command, it can be worrisome. There are several potential causes for this, both medical and behavioral. If your dog is ignoring all commands and perhaps being hyperactive, behavioral issues are likely to blame. Any sudden change in the dog's routine or environment can cause him to forget his manners, so consulting a veterinary behaviorist or a dog trainer is the quickest route back to normal. If your dog is listening to you, but just doesn't seem to be able to comply, a medical reason could be the culprit.
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Anal Gland Issues
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Anal sac issues may make sitting painful. If your dog has been paying a lot of attention to his rear end lately, an anal sac infection may be to blame. The anal sacs are located just inside the anus, to either side, and hold a thick, foul-smelling discharge normally used for scent marking. These sacs normally empty themselves during the course of a normal bowel movement, but they can sometimes become impacted. An impacted anal sac will swell to the size of a grape and make sitting and bowel movements very uncomfortable. As the fluid remains in the sac, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and can eventually lead to an abscess. A veterinarian can manually empty the sacs, and she may fill them with an antibiotic ointment to kill any remaining bacteria. If an abscess occurs, it will be surgically drained and antibiotics will be prescribed.
Arthritis
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Older, arthritic dogs may find it difficult to sit. If your dog is older than seven years, chances are he has some degree of arthritis. Arthritis attacks the cartilage in the joints, especially the hip joints, causing it to degenerate. Without cartilage to lubricate the joint, every movement causes bone-on-bone rubbing that can be extremely painful and decrease range of motion. The joint becomes inflamed, and the surrounding muscles become tense as the dog tries to alleviate pain by moving gingerly. If your older dog has gradually become less active and seems to have trouble moving around, arthritis is probably to blame. A trip to the vet may result in a cortisone shot that will reduce inflammation and bring back some range of motion. The vet may also prescribe pain relievers to allow your pet to move normally again.
Injury
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Rough play can lead to minor yet painful injuries. If your dog has had an accident lately, no matter how minor, an injury may be to blame. Some dogs play very hard, especially if other animals are present. A minor injury like a strain or pulled muscle may not show up immediately, so you may not connect it to his recent activity. Run your hands over the dog's body, and gently press your fingertips into the meaty part of each major muscle. If he seems uncomfortable or in pain, he may have incurred an injury. Most injuries of this type heal on their own within a couple of days, but if the pain persists, consult your vet. She will examine the dog to make sure the injury is not serious, and may prescribe pain relievers.
Hip Dysplasia
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Large breeds are especially prone to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint that can make it very painful for your dog to sit or walk. It can be hereditary, or it can be caused by incorrect nutrition during a puppy's formative years, but painful symptoms can crop up at any point in a dog's life. Large breeds are especially susceptible. A quick x-ray of the dog's pelvis and hips will reveal if hip dysplasia is to blame, and the vet will prescribe pain relievers and may administer a cortisone injection to reduce inflammation. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred.
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