Training your dog to sit on command is a good place for you and your dog to begin your obedience training. It’s a nice easy command that your pup or dog will master very quickly. This will increase your dogs 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 to request your dog. If your lovely dog ​​likes to greet visitors to your home by jumping on them, or runs out the front door every time it opens, you can control him by applying his “sit” 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, gives 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 really practice, you you don’t have to structure all your lessons. Incorporate training into your daily routine. Have your dog sit before you feed him or have him sit before you throw the ball in the park. When applied in this way, obedience training will be fun in your dog’s mind and rewarding.
• Do it perfectly clear to your dog what you ask – what you want me to do.
• Make training your dog to sit fun, don’t make it feel like a chorefor 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 puzzle food rewards can use in the learning period of a new command. However, giving your dog a treat or a treat from time to time does not hurt your dog, even if he respects your commands without one.
• When training your dog to sit for the first time, make it easy for him/her to succeed. Begin your training sessions in an environment familiar to your dog, free from other distractions. Master the command in this configuration, then slowly make it harder for your dog. Add other variables, give your dog a challenge, such as taking the training session to the park or increasing the duration of the session.

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. Pick the one that works best for you and your dog, and you’ll be on your way to a well-trained dog.

Technician 1

This first technical training is ideal for young puppies. When you are with your puppy and see him about to sit or in the act of sitting, say “sit down” in a clear, firm tone. As soon as your dog’s rear hits the ground, give him praise and maybe a scratch behind the ear. In the mind of your dogs you are building an association between your verbal command to “sit” and his sitting. Most puppies make this connection very quickly. In a short time you will be able to say “sit” at any time and your puppy will understand what you are asking of him. Remember always reward and praise your pup as soon as his butt hits the ground. Your pup will love it, he’ll be thinking “all I have to do is sit down and get attention, treats and praise”.

Technique 2 – No leash

For puppies and older dogs, this training technique works every time. With your dog standing right in front of you, take a small tasty treat in your hand. Guide the treat from his nose to the level of his head, the treat should be within inches of your dog at all times. your curious dog follow the treat with your nose and at the same time your rear end will hit the ground. As soon as his butt hits the ground, give him the treat and shower him with praise. If your dog backs away or jumps at the treat, he is either holding his hand too far back on his head, or keeping it too far from his nose. Repeat this step until your dog understands it, then you can introduce the verbal part of the command. Right 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 even moving your hand. Remember to practice/reinforce this command at any time of day, in any situation.

Technique 3 – On a leash

If your dog does not respond to the methods described above, or if you prefer to use a collar and leash for training, this technique will do the trick. Stand next to your dog, both facing the same way. Hold the leash up, directly over the collar. At the same time, gently press your dog’s back (down near his hips) and say “sit.” As soon as your dog is seated, reward and praise him. In no time you won’t need to put pressure on your dog’s back or even hold the leash. You will understand that your command to “sit” means that it requires you to plant your butt on the ground. AND he will be happy to do it for you because he knows he gets praise and attention when he does.

I hope that these techniques will be successful for you and your dog, and I trust that they will be. It is a good idea if you live with other people, teach these commandments to them too. They can then apply the exact same commands to their dog; your dog will appreciate this consistency.