How To Train A Dog To Sit

The first step in dog training is teaching your dog to sit. To begin this process, it is important to start when the dog is just a puppy, or as soon as it gets settled into its new home. Why do I need to train a puppy to sit? you might ask. After all, doesn’t a dog already know how to sit? If you keep reading, you’ll learn why this early training is important, as well as exactly 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. Now comes the training part. Take his favorite treat and hold it in your hand. Make sure that it is small enough that the puppy can swallow it fast.

3. Get to the same level as the dog by sitting on the floor. He feels less threatened if you sit. More importantly, you are closer to the dog so he can be rewarded faster.

4. Bring the treat over your puppy’s head gradually. Remember that your dog has a keen sense of smell and his nose will naturally follow the path of the treat. As the treat is moving from the front of him to the back, he can do one of two things to keep following it. He will either back up while still on his feet or he’ll sit down. Sitting down is easier and this is what most dogs will do.

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. Now shower your dog with praise so he knows he did a good thing.

7. Repeat these steps not more than 5 times in a row, but you can repeat the steps multiple times each day.

8. Next, try the same things while standing. See if your dog reacts to the word “sit” even if you don’t use your hand or offer a treat. If he sits, praise him for sitting, but if he doesn’t, don’t worry about it. During training it’s important not to show any disappoint to the dog.

You need to keep practicing this so that your dog your dog will learn to sit when you tell him to no matter what’s happening around him. This is something you’ll have to keep working at for the rest of his life. He will constantly be faced with new situations, strange people, other dogs, and different environments, and you can use each new experience as a way to challenge him to reach greater heights.

Learning how to train a dog to sit on command is not that difficult. Start when your dog is a puppy and, not only will you teach it to sit, but you will find that they love to do other tricks with you as well. By training your dog as a puppy, you will get the dog used to hearing its own name, acting on your command, and being an active participant for other activities. This will get your dog use to having you in charge and make the dog more secure in being part of your family!

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