How To Train A Dog To Sit
Learning how to train a dog to sit is an important task for any new dog owner. Training can begin as soon as the puppy is in his new home. While it may not seem important to teach this to your puppy right off the bat, it is a cornerstone to developing a relationship with your dog. Here are some steps on how to train a dog to sit.
1. This first step is deceptively easy. All you have to do is say the word “sit” when you see your puppy sitting down on it’s own initiative. This way, the puppy understands that the word you are trying to make him learn, relate to his current actions. You can use this basic tip in all other forms of training.
2. Find the dog a delectable treat and place one in your hand. The puppy should be able to swallow the treat quickly and easily so be sure it is small.
3. Get down to your puppies level. You will appear less threatening to the dog if you are on his level. More importantly, you can reward him faster if you’re sitting on the floor.
4. Move the treat over your puppies head, from front to back, slowly. The idea is for the puppy to smell the treat (he will) and follow it with his nose. He has the option of either backing while still standing or sitting down. It’s a lot easier to sit down, so he’ll probably do that.
5. It is important in training that a correct response be followed immediately by a reward. As the dog begins to sit, say the word ‘sit’, and quickly give him his treat.
6. Sometimes rewards can be more than just treats so the next step is to praise him. Show joy with your voice and your body language.
7. These steps can be repeated about three to five times. Don’t do more than that because they you will take the fun out of it. Although, those same steps can be repeated at different intervals throughout the day.
8. Now try the same thing but standing up. See if you can get the dog to sit without the aid of a treat. When he does, heap on the praise. Be sure that you never punish him if he does not sit, but wait patiently for him to sit and then praise him.
It is important that the dog understands that the sit command is not optional. Regardless of distractions in the surrounding environment he must respond. To reinforce the command use it often and require that the dog comply 100% of the time. Socialize your dog by exposing him to a variety of other people, pets and locations. Teaching him to obey the sit command in a variety of situations will enhance his training and help confirm his understanding and compliance.
See how easy learning how to train a dog to sit is? When you go through these traiing steps you are doing much more than just teaching your dog how to sit. All dogs, wheter adults or Puppies love to interact with their master so training is a great bonding experience. Plus he will get used to hearing his name and being obedient to your commands. This will enforce your title of leader and make the puppy feel secure which is what he really wants in the first place.
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