The “sit” command is not only one of the easiest and most enjoyable commands to begin teaching your pet but is essential for the safety of your puppy. This command saves dog’s lives everyday by preventing them from hurling themselves obliviously into traffic and certain death. Teaching the command is fun way for you and your new dog to get to know each other; please be sure to do it well.
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
The first thing you want to do is catch your dog’s attention. In this method, you do this by uttering your pet’s name while holding a treat in front of and just above your dog’s muzzle. Move the treat in a slow arc above and backward over its head. Your dog will want to keep its eyes on the morsel, and as it moves its head back, its rear end will reposition itself on the floor. As you see the dog begin to sit, firmly utter the command, “sit.” Follow this by praise and a treat.
Once you establish the routine, you must repeat it every day or at various times throughout the day. As much as possible, do the training the same way at the same times during the day. I suggest that in the beginning, limit the training sessions to 10 minutes. Later, you can lengthen this to 15 minutes. I wouldn’t go longer than 15, but that, of course, will be up to your own judgment. As your pet catches on, he will begin responding to hand motion, and you can start substituting praise for treats. Plan on doing this for about 2 weeks before you start seeing a consistent level of obedience.
Method 2
This method is similar, but you will need to position your dog on your left, and you may want to have it on a leash. Here, you hold a treat in front of your dog, say “sit,” and then gently press down on its hind quarters. When the dog sits, give it praise and a tiny piece of the treat. If you have your puppy leashed, then a gentle tug up on the leash accompanied by gentle push on the dog’s rear will also cause it to sit. Be sure to give the “sit” command and reward with praise and a treat.
Get more information about crate housebreaking and other essential basic puppy training techniques.