How to Teach a Dog to Sit
Teaching a dog to sit is one of the most valuable obedience lessons that a pet can learn. Regardless of the size of your pet, it is important that it knows to sit on command, especially in situations where it is around other people or their pets. This will help prevent incidences of jumping and will allow the owner to maintain control of the dog.
- Get a dog treat and place it in your hand. Hold it so that it is close to your dogs nose, no further than one inch away. This will prevent your dog from jumping up and attempting to take the treat.
- Stand up and say the words "Sit."
- Move the hand holding the treat up towards the top of your dog's head. As your dog's eyes follow the treat up, he should automatically go into a sitting position.
- Immediately give the dog positive reinforcement by saying, "Good" or "Yes" in an excited voice and then give the dog the treat that you are holding.
- Repeat until the dog begins to sit automatically when you say the word "Sit."
- Eventually discontinue the treats when commanding your dog to sit. However, continue praising your pet every time he obeys.