Training the Sit Command--The Secret that may Save Your Dog's Life
One of the first commands you teach your dog is the command to sit. Fortunately, this is not only easy, but a fun way to begin training your pet. This is an essential command because it could save your dog's life if you teach it well. I won't dwell on this, but more than one dog would have happily charged into traffic and certain death had its owner not saved it with the "sit" command.
In this article, I suggest two basic ways to train your dog to sit. If your pet is a puppy, then start at about 8 weeks. Set up a schedule, and then once you start, don't deviate from the routine. Make sure that your training is conducted in the same manner.
This is important because the sameness and predictability will make your dog feel secure and confident. When training a puppy, or any other dog, always be prepared to repeat a routine or step many times just as if each time were the first. Always be patient and gentle, and of course be generous with praise and follow good behavior with an occasional treat.
Method 1
Catch your pet's attention. Say its name and present a treat. The way to do this is to hold the treat a little in front and just above the animal's nose. Now, slowly move the treat up and backward over its head. You dog will try to watch the treat, and as it follows the motion over its head, it will naturally lower its rear end into a sitting position. As the dog assumes the correct position, you utter the command "sit," and offer a piece of kibble as a reward.
Now, you will need to repeat this. You might set a 10 or 15 minute training period each day. As your puppy begins to understand, you will find that your dog will respond to the hand motion and you can begin rewarding with praise instead of a treat. In all training, you want to wean the dog away from treat rewards. Plan on spending a couple of weeks with this for reliably consistent obedience.
Method 2
Method 2 is similar to method 1 and is actually the one I prefer. This method requires that you leash your dog and have it positioned to your left. The way this works is that when you say, "sit," you gently tug upward with leash and gently push down on the dog's hind end. Follow the completion of the act with praise and a treat. Rinse and repeat for about 10 minutes. If you have a young puppy, consider several sessions of 5 to 10 minutes throughout the day.
In this article, I suggest two basic ways to train your dog to sit. If your pet is a puppy, then start at about 8 weeks. Set up a schedule, and then once you start, don't deviate from the routine. Make sure that your training is conducted in the same manner.
This is important because the sameness and predictability will make your dog feel secure and confident. When training a puppy, or any other dog, always be prepared to repeat a routine or step many times just as if each time were the first. Always be patient and gentle, and of course be generous with praise and follow good behavior with an occasional treat.
Method 1
Catch your pet's attention. Say its name and present a treat. The way to do this is to hold the treat a little in front and just above the animal's nose. Now, slowly move the treat up and backward over its head. You dog will try to watch the treat, and as it follows the motion over its head, it will naturally lower its rear end into a sitting position. As the dog assumes the correct position, you utter the command "sit," and offer a piece of kibble as a reward.
Now, you will need to repeat this. You might set a 10 or 15 minute training period each day. As your puppy begins to understand, you will find that your dog will respond to the hand motion and you can begin rewarding with praise instead of a treat. In all training, you want to wean the dog away from treat rewards. Plan on spending a couple of weeks with this for reliably consistent obedience.
Method 2
Method 2 is similar to method 1 and is actually the one I prefer. This method requires that you leash your dog and have it positioned to your left. The way this works is that when you say, "sit," you gently tug upward with leash and gently push down on the dog's hind end. Follow the completion of the act with praise and a treat. Rinse and repeat for about 10 minutes. If you have a young puppy, consider several sessions of 5 to 10 minutes throughout the day.