If you have just found your perfect puppy and need to teach it some basic commands here is a great place to start.
One of the first things you do when you bring a new dog home is train it to sit on command. This has multiple benefits. The first is that it is the best place to begin your obedience training. This is an easy command that your pet will learn very quickly. It will also help in increasing your dog’s confidence and providing the foundation on which you can build commands and skills that are more advanced. It is also a great way to control your pet when you need to keep him in one place.
You can start teaching your dog to sit as soon as you bring him home, or any time after that. Before you start training to sit, or any other obedience command, it is important to make sure that he is comfortable and confident around you – gives you his attention, lets you touch him, etc.
There are a couple of techniques that you can use to teach your dog the ‘sit’ command:
This is a great training technique for young pups. When you see him in the act of sitting or about to sit, in a firm and clear voice, say “sit”. As soon as his rear end hits the floor, praise him or scratch him a little behind his ear. In his mind, you are building a connection between your verbal command and his act of sitting.
Most puppies make this association very quickly. Before you know it, you will be able to say “sit” any time and your puppy will understand your request. Remember to praise or reward your pup as soon as he sits down. He is sure to love it!
This is a technique that works every time for dogs and older puppies. Get your dog to stand right in front of you and hold a small treat in your hand. From his nose level, guide the treat up over his head. Make sure that the treat is, a few centimetres away from him at all times. He is sure to follow the treat up with his nose and his rear end will hit the floor at the same time. As soon as it does, give him the treat and praise him.
Once your dog starts getting the idea, and he will with repetition, you can introduce the verbal command. Before moving your hand with the treat, say “sit”. Soon, he will respond to your command without the need for you to move your hand.
This is a great technique if others do not work or if you prefer training with a collar and leash. Stand next to each other, facing the same way, and hold the leash directly above the collar, straight up. Gently press down on his back and say “sit”. As soon as your pet does, reward him with a treat and praise him. Before you know it, you will not have to hold the leash up or press down on his back. He will understand that the command means that you need him to put his rear end on the floor.
Teaching your dog to sit is not a difficult task. With repetition, your pooch will understand your verbal command in no time and you will be able to get him to sit down whenever you need him to.
For some more training tips try Teaching Your Dog to Walk on a Lead
