Training your dog to sit helps control behavior when needed and create calm. The sit command is often used when you need to calm your dog or to teach them it’s a way to say please.
For example, if your dog wants a treat, you can train them to sit in front of you as if they were saying, “please give me a treat.” Whether you are training your dog to say please or to control their hyper behavior, the sit command is essential to staying in charge.
How to train a dog to sit on command is a question most pet parents ask. Training your dog might be easier said than done. However, if you have the right technique and a lot of patience, you will successfully train your dog at home. Continue reading to get started!
Training Your Dog to Sit Down
The Importance of Training Your Dog
Obedience training is an important part of your dog’s life for many reasons. Proper training makes living with your pet easier, mentally stimulates, and creates a trusting bond between both of you.
Training can also save your dog’s life in dangerous situations such as running into a busy street. For example, if your dog runs out of the front door towards the street, you can shout the sit command to distract your dog from running and stop them before it’s too late.
How to Teach Your Dog to Sit
Step 1 – Stand in front of your dog as they stand on all four legs.
Step 2 – Place your dog’s favorite treat between your index finger and thumb to show your dog.
Step 3 – Slowly hold the treat over your dog’s head while verbally saying the word “sit.” Your dog’s body will naturally go into a sitting position.
Step 4 – Once your dog achieves the proper sitting position, reward them with a treat.
Step 5 – Repeat the process until your dog learns the command without the use of the treat. Instead, replace the treat reward with praise for doing a good job.
Note: Some dogs learn quicker than others so make sure you maintain patience during the training session.
Tips
- Hold short training sessions frequently
- Teach them near a door or food bowl to help build good habits
- Reduce the number of treats as they get better
- Use praise as a reward in place of excessive treats
- Remain calm and positive during training sessions
- Be patient
- Keep in mind that dogs learn at their own pace
Problems You Might Encounter
- Distractions – Dogs have short attention spans that cause them to get distracted easily. If you are training your dog in a high traffic area of the house such as the kitchen, be prepared for interruptions from family members. Instead, find a quiet room that allows you to be alone with your dog during training sessions.
- Stubborn mind – Some dogs have a stubborn mind and need extra attention when it comes to
training. If your dog is stubborn, you will find yourself repeating the verbal command and hand signal repeatedly. It’s important to stop the training session for the day and try again the next day because your dog will sense your anger and think the training is bad instead of fun. - Aggravation – Chances are you will become aggravated during training. Your adorable dog is new to learning the sit command and if they are a young pup, it might be difficult to capture their attention for training sessions. An excellent tip for training a puppy is to use a toy as a focal point instead of a tasty treat.
- Treat monster – Some dogs will be obedient long enough to get their treat. If your dog is a treat monster, use a toy for training purposes and reward your pup with praise by verbally saying “good job” and petting their head.
- Unable to complete training – Some dogs have a difficult time understanding the training which causes them to never learn. If you notice your dog is having problems, contact a professional dog trainer. Most of the time the dog just needs to learn in a different way other than the standard methods.
Bottom Line
Obedience training is a necessary and effective way to control your dog’s behavior. A well-behaved dog that respects you as the head of their pack is a great way to live in harmony with your pet. Training your dog at home is a process that you have the freedom to create.
Creating a soothing environment that allows your dog to focus on the training session is recommended. It’s wise to choose a room to train that has a door that can be shut to prevent your dog from running out.
Rewarding with tasty treats and praise is a humane way to train your dog along with plenty of patience. Don’t wait any longer! Start training your dog how to sit today!
Shellie
A pet parent herself, Shellie knows the ins and outs of caring for a furry bundle of joy. She has been researching, reviewing and sharing her findings for the best dog products available for a number of years. A valued team member, Shellie's first-hand experience is invaluable.
