How To Train A Dog To Sit | Dogs

By LeeDobbins.
Total views: 1
Word Count: 594

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. The first step is easy. Every time the puppy sits by itself, just say sit. This will teach him to associate the word with the action. This technique can actually be used in training your dog to obey all types of commands.

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. Get your dog to sit on his own by moving the treat over the puppy's head in a very slow movement. He will get him to follow its movement with he's nose because of the smell it emits. By doing so, he'll have two choices: He could back up, or he could just sit down. Considering that sitting down is the easiest thing to do, he will do just 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. More than a treat, your dog looks for your approval so you should also reward him with that. Your approval for a job well done should be apparent in both the tone of your voice, and body language.

7. This is something you could continue to practice 3-5 times a day. Don't over do it though, as moderation is important, unless you are able to make these steps as fun for the dog as they are for you.

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.

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!

About the Author

Find out how to train your dog to be perfectly behaved at http://www.positivedogtrainingtechniques.com/ where you can learn the dog training techniques that will teach your dog to sit, eliminate bad behaviors and turn your unruly pet into your best friend.

You are here Articles > Pets and Animals > Dogs