How to Train a Dog to Sit When Commanded
Basic Dog Obedience Training - Teaching the Command "Sit"
Apr 15, 2009
As with any other type of canine obedience training, training a dog or puppy to sit should involve only positive reinforcement. Punishment has no place in training a dog or puppy to follow your basic obedience commands.
Positive reinforcement means rewarding the dog or puppy with a treat or reward each time the dog or puppy performs the task asked of him. For most dogs and puppies, a favorite food treat makes a good reward. For those dogs or puppies not so well motivated by food, a favorite toy or even a pat on the head and a scratch on the neck from their favorite person can serve as a reward.
How to Train a Dog to Sit
Training sessions should be brief, lasting only five to fifteen minutes at a time. Puppies in particular have short attention spans and are easily distracted, so make the training session short and do not tire the dog or puppy. It is okay to do two or more training sessions during the course of the day, but try not to get carried away.
Make the training sessions as fun as you can for the dog or puppy. Plenty of interaction and praise from you will make the experience more pleasant for your dog or puppy.
Choosing the Proper Time and Place to Train a Dog to Sit
Start by making certain you have plenty of treats on hand for your dog or puppy. You will need to reward your dog or puppy every time he responds to your command to sit, so make certain not to run out of treats.
Training sessions should always take place in quiet, calm locations where your dog or puppy will not have numerous distractions to keep him from concentrating on you.
Never try to train a dog or puppy to sit while the dog or puppy is in a hyper-excitable state or is nervous or apprehensive. When training your dog or puppy, he should be calm and relaxed. If necessary, spend some time playing interactive games such as chasing a ball or a frisbee until your dog or puppy has burned off some of the pent up energy and has calmed a bit.
Teaching Your Dog to Sit on Your Command - Getting Started
Once your dog or puppy is calm and relaxed, stand facing your dog or puppy with a treat visible in your hand. Your dog or puppy should be in a standing position and should be looking directly at you.
With the treat still in your hand, move your hand slowly directly over the top of your dog's head. With your hand moving over the top of your dog's head, your dog will be forced to take a sitting position in order to continue to watch your hand as it moves backward. Move your hand (and the treat in your hand) just far enough that your dog or puppy assumes a sitting position while following your hand with his head and eyes.
At the same time, use a verbal command such as "sit". This will teach your dog or puppy to associate the word "sit" with the action of sitting.
Once your dog or puppy sits, give him the treat and praise him lavishly.
If your dog or puppy does not sit, do not punish him. Do not try to force your dog or puppy to sit by using brute strength. Be patient and wait. Keep repeating the exercise until your dog or puppy responds in the correct fashion.
Practice Makes Perfect - Continue Training Your Dog to Sit
Continue practicing this exercise with your dog or puppy until your dog or puppy will sit immediately when he hears you say the word "sit".
Once your dog or puppy is responding to your verbal command each and every time you command him to sit, you can start gradually phasing out the treat. Do not stop rewarding your dog completely, Continue to offer him treats intermittently when he responds to your command to sit. And always remember to give your dog or puppy verbal praise when he performs up to your expectations.
Continue to practice with your dog or puppy regularly and soon your dog or puppy will be responding immediately when you command him to sit.
 |
