Teaching The "Sit" Command to Your Dog

Teaching the Sit command to your dog is one of the four basic commands that every dog needs to know, and it is also one of the easiest. It should only take a few three to five minute sessions for your dog to figure it out.

To begin teaching this behavior, start with the dog in front of you so that you are facing each other. You should be sitting or kneeling so that you are at eye level. 

With a small piece of treat in your left hand (between your thumb and forefinger) get the dog's attention. Hold the treat several inches in front of and above the the dog's nose so the dog can smell it.

Turn your hand so that your palm is facing up. While the dog is watching your hand, bend at the wrist so the treat begins to move up and away from the dog's nose. The dog should sit as it tries to watch the treat. When it sits, give the treat and say GOOD DOG. If it doesn't sit, DO NOT treat. Just start over!

Once the dog begins to sit when it see you moving to treat, you can add the verbal command. As you begin bending at the wrist, say the word SIT.

Repeat this up to 10 times per session. Do this training at least 3 or 4 times per day.

Once the dog has the sit command, all of the other basic commands should be easier because they all require your dog to be able to sit. 

As with all training, keep your sessions short. Advanced training should be kept under 10 minutes in length. Always do something that the dog likes to do when the session ends. Playing with the dog's favorite toy or going for a walk will keep your dog interested in training. Because there is a "fun time" following the training, it will make the dog more willing to train well.