How to Teach Your Dog to "Sit"

The "sit" exercise is probably the most practical skill you can teach your dog. Whether you're waiting at the curb of a crowded street or competing in an obedience trial, you'll thank yourself (and your dog) for taking the time to master this exercise.

Teaching a dog to "sit" also provides a kind of obedience gateway to all the other basic exercises, including: "sit-stay," "down," "down-stay," "come" and "heel." Training should be fun and relatively easy: Use a food lure and positive reinforcement. Short, training sessions will help your dog learn quickly – even young puppies will be eager to work if the reward is enticing enough.

Using a Food Lure

Find a quiet indoor environment with few distractions. Start by using a small piece of food to lure your dog's nose to point upward (toward the treat) and move the treat backwards over their head so that they naturally lower their haunches to a sitting position. Don't hold the treat too high or they may jump up for it.

Be prepared: As soon as they sit, give them the treat food. Repeat the exercise, adding the word "sit," so the dog can learn quickly what you expect of them; rather than forcing their body into position, allow them to discover what is required on their own. (Note: If your dog jumps at the food, you're probably holding it up too high).

Once this exercise has been learned, take it on the road. When your dog has mastered the skill in the quietness of your yard, try asking them to sit in other places like on the sidewalk or in the garage. Then "up the ante" by having them follow the instruction in a busy, distracting place, like a park, supermarket entrance or a crowded sidewalk. As your dog proves they have learned the meaning of the word "sit," taper off their rewards so that they only get a treat every third or fourth time they sit. The goal of any reinforcement program should be to graduate to supplying rewards intermittently and on a variable schedule. By rewarding your dog unpredictably - but always continuing to offer rewards at times - you can best maintain their interest in the exercise.

Think Positively

The key to successful training is patience and a positive attitude. Scolding and physical force will only turn your dog off to the fun of these exercises. Try to keep your sessions short, approximately five to 10 minutes once or twice daily. Work with them only at times when he seems enthusiastic and attentive and end each session on a positive note. The more successful they feel, the more rewarding your efforts will be.