Sit

Why train sit?

Every dog should have one command she can do anywhere, anytime. Sit is a great contender for that job. It gives your dog a way to say, “Please,” and can become her default greeting. When you get home or when visitors appear, she cannot jump up on them, if she is in the “sit’ position. She cannot run away from you or bolt to chase a cat, kids, cars, or bicycles if she is in the “sit” position. There are numerous behaviors that can be interrupted or redirected by teaching the “sit” command. Of all the commands, when a dog is taught to sit, she will be taught a skill that will allow her to have greater self control and allow your relationship with her to be an enjoyable one.

How to train sit.

Step 1. Hold a small treat just in front of your dog’s nose. 

Step 2. Lure your dog into a sit by putting the treat up to her nose and slowly moving the treat backwards over the top of the dog’s head. As your dog’s head follows the food up and back, her rear end will drop into a sitting position.

Step 3. As soon as your dog’s hindquarters hit the ground mark the behavior with the “Yes” marker word, praise, and treat. Repeat as many times as you can, so long as you and your dog are still enjoying the training session. Praise and treat every sit.

Step 4. Once your dog is reliably offering the desired sitting behavior, add the verbal cue, “Sit”. Say the dogs name then the cue; “Molly sit” = dog sits = treat = praise.

Step 5. Repeat the exercise several times over a few days. When your dog sits reliably, it is time to take the treat out of your hand and use the verbal cue alone. If your dog makes a mistake, first try luring without the treat. Only put the treat back in your hand if luring without the treat fails.

When to practice sit.