Training your dog to sit when commanded is a good place for you and your dog to begin your obedience training. It’s a Nice easy command that your puppy or dog will master very quickly.. This will increase your dog’s confidence and provide a foundation on which to build more advanced skills and commands.
Another benefit of training your dog to sit is that it gives him a good alternative behavior at the request of your dog. If your adorable dog likes to greet visitors to your house by jumping on them, or running out the front door every time it is opened, you can control it by applying your “sit down” command.
You can start this obedience command as soon as you bring your new puppy home, or anytime after that. Before you start training your dog to sit (or any other obedience command) make sure your dog feels safe and comfortable around you – lets you touch him, pays you his attention, etc.
General rules to remember when training your puppy to sit
- Keep your training sessions short, ten minutes is enough to start.
- Any time is a good time to practice. you don’t have to structure all your lessons. Incorporate training into your daily routine. Make your dog sit up before feeding him or make him sit up before throwing his ball in the park. When applied in this way, obedience training will be fun to your dog’s mind and rewarding.
- Do it perfectly clear to your dog what you are asking for – what you want me to do.
- Have him train your dog to make him feel fun don’t make it feel like a chore, for you or your dog.
- Training sessions should be full of constant repetition, praise, and positive reinforcement.
- Don’t expect your dog to immediately learn this or any other obedience command and then never forget it. It is up to you to reinforce the meaning of your command through repetition and consistency throughout your dog’s life.
- Gradually mystify the rewards of food you can use in the learning period of a new command. However, giving him a treat or treat every now and then doesn’t hurt your dog, even if he respects your orders without one.
- When training your dog to sit for the first time, make it easy for him / her to be successful. Begin your training sessions in an environment familiar to your dog, free from other distractions. Master the command in this configuration, then little by little make it more difficult for your dog. Add other variables, challenge your dog, such as taking the training session to the park or increasing the length of the sitting.
Training your dog to sit: my favorite techniques
I have three techniques that I like to use when teaching my puppies or dogs to sit. I have had a 100% success rate with these techniques and I’m sure you will too. Choose the one that best suits you and your dog, and you are well on your way to having a well-trained dog.
Technique 1
This first technical training is ideal for young puppies. When you are with your puppy and you see him about to sit or in the act of sitting down, say “sit” in a clear and firm tone. As soon as your dog’s butt hits the floor, praise him and maybe a little scratch behind the ear. In your dog’s mind you are building an association between your verbal command to “sit” and the act of him sitting. Most puppies make this connection very quickly. In no time, you will be able to say “sit down” at any time and your puppy will understand what you are asking. Remember Always reward and praise your puppy as soon as his butt hits the ground. Your puppy will love it, he will be thinking “all I have to do is sit back and receive attention, awards and praise”.
Technique 2 – Without strap
For puppies and older dogs, this training technique always works. With your dog standing in front of you, grab a tasty little treat in your hand. Guide the treat from your nose up over your head, the treat should be a few inches from your dog at all times. Your curious dog will follow the treat up with your nose and at the same time your butt will hit the ground. As soon as his butt hits the ground, give him the award and produce it with praise. If your dog recoils or jumps at the treat, you are bringing your hand too far back above his head or keeping it too far from his nose. Repeat this step until your dog understands, then you can enter the verbal part of the command. Just before you start moving your hand (the one with the treat), say “sit down.” Your dog will soon respond to your verbal command to “sit” without your moving your hand. Remember to practice / reinforce this command at any time of the day, in any situation.
Technique 3 – With strap
If your dog does not respond to the methods described above, or if you prefer to wear a collar and leash in training, this technique will do the trick. Stand next to your dog, both of you looking the same way. Hold the strap up, directly above the neck. At the same time, gently press on your dog’s back (near his hips) and say “sit down.” As soon as your dog is sitting, reward and praise him. In no time, you won’t need to put pressure on your dog’s back or even hold the leash. He will understand that your command to “sit” means that you are asking him to place his butt on the floor. AND will be happy to do it for you because he knows he gets praise and attention when he does it.
I hope these techniques prove successful for you and your dog, I am sure they will. It is a good idea if you live with other people to teach them these commands too. Then they can apply the exact same commands to your dog; your dog will appreciate this consistency.