Sit is a behavior that comes naturally to almost all dogs. It is one of the first things you learn in a group puppy training class and can quickly become part of your everyday language with your dog. That said, just because a dog offers “sit” when they want something, doesn’t mean they actually know what the word means.
Here’s how to teach a dog to sit (and actually understand what it means):
Get the Behavior
Start with your dog in a standing position (all four paws on the floor).
Hold a training treat in one hand, very close to your dog’s nose.
Slowly move your hand over your dog’s head and towards their tail, keeping your hand very close to your dog’s nose. The goal is to keep them from taking their front paws up off the ground to get the treat, so keep it low. When your dog’s hind end hits the floor, say “yes!” and reward them with the treat.
Repeat four times. To move your dog from a sit position simply throw a treat to the side so they get up and then repeat the above steps.
Add the Command ‘Sit’
Again, start with your dog on four paws, but this time, say “sit” just before you move your hand over your dog’s head as before. When your dog’s hind end hits the floor, say “yes” and reward them with the treat.
Repeat four times.
Move the Treat to the Other Hand
Place your dog in the starting position (four paws on the floor) and say “sit” just before you move your hand over your dog’s head as before, but this time the treat will not be in your signaling hand. When your dog’s hind end hits the floor, say “yes” and reward with a treat from the other hand.
Repeat four times.
Modify the Hand Signal
As you practice, gradually modify your hand signal so you don’t have to be right at the dog’s nose for them to understand. Most people use the following signal: start with your arm at your side (hand close to your leg), then bend your elbow and bring your hand up to your shoulder.
Use the Command or the Signal
To get your dog to sit for just the word, say the word “sit” and wait to see what happens. Be patient – your dog may need a moment to think it through. If your dog is unsure of what to do, use your hand signal to help your dog get into the sitting position without saying the word. Say “yes” and give them a treat, then try again with just the vocal cue.
To get your dog to sit using the hand signal only, have your dog focus on you, then use just the hand signal and wait as above. If they don’t do it after several seconds, go back to using the word just before the hand signal to separate the two.
Practice alternating between a verbal cue and a hand signal until your dog is proficient with both. The verbal cue is handy when your hands are full (for example, if you are carrying groceries or making dinner), and the hand signal is helpful when you cannot talk to your dog (for instance, if you are on the phone or your dog is at a distance).
“Sit” is a key command for communicating with your dog all throughout their lives, so making sure it’s reliable in many situations during your initial training can be invaluable.
How to Use the ‘Sit’ Command
Once your dog knows how to “sit,” you can ask them to do it for anything they want (not only treats) as a method of saying “please.” This teaches them polite manners and self-control. Below are some of the ways to incorporate teaching your dog how to sit into their daily routine:
- Have your dog “sit” for their dinner: instead of having a dog that is jumping and barking as you try to put down their dinner, ask your dog to “sit” and wait until you give them the okay to start eating.
- Ask your dog to “sit” before, during and after walks: many dogs love to go for walks so much that they start jumping up and down the minute you grab the leash. Instead, ask for a “sit” before you pick up the leash and again before you put the leash and harness on them. In addition, create polite behavior and some self-control at the door by asking your dog to “sit” before going into or out of your home.
Have your dog ask to come on the furniture: if your dog is allowed up on the couch, instead of your dog telling you it’s time for a cuddle by jumping on the couch and sitting on your lap uninvited, have them ask politely with a “sit.” They can get up when you are ready and have given the okay for them to do so.
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