Sit
Training your dog to Sit on command is a FUNdamental tool for your training toolbox. The Sit command is useful for virtually any situation from preventing your dog from jumping on a house guest to posing for the family photo.
Process
Start with your dog on leash and in the heel position (left side). Hold the leash in your left hand and a treat in your right hand.
Allow your dog to smell the treat by holding your right hand near your dog’s nose.
Say Sit while you slowly move the treat over your dog’s nose toward their rear end. Your dog’s nose will follow the treat which makes their bottom hit the floor.
Treat and reward as soon as your dog is in the sit position.
Tips
- Your dog will sit automatically because it is the easiest way to look up at you. Be sure to reward this natural behavior by saying “Good Sit”.
- As your dog learns Sit, you can slowly fade the treat to a hand signal and then just a verbal command.
- Always remember One Dog – One Command. Never repeat the Sit command multiple times because it will erode effectiveness – it’s like nagging. Give your dog the command and wait a moment to see if your dog understands. If your dog does not sit, help your dog into the position with an exaggerated hand signal or physical assistance such as light pressure on their rear end.