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Training : Sit Command
The sit command is usually considered the easiest to teach a dog. A little practice should make you and your pooch a pro at this. Try it, using these simple steps:
- Face your dog armed with a treat. Hold it just above his nose, and gradually move it upwards. (Don’t move it up too quickly or your pup may jump up to get it.)
- Your puppy should sit down on his own to ensure he never lets the treat out of his site.
- As he is sitting, indicate your approval by saying “good”.
- When he sits, give him the treat.
- Practice this for a while. At the beginning, give him the treat as soon as he sits. Slowly delay it so he keeps sitting for a while longer. Subsequently, don’t give him a treat every time, substituting it with generous praise and giving him the much-desired snack once in a while.
- You may also find it helpful to assign a hand position to the sit command.
- If your puppy does not respond to this, you can shift him into a sitting position. Or, simply try again. You don’t need to punish him, as he could not possibly be expected to know what you want him to do (remember he doesn’t speak your language, just as you don’t speak his). The next time he sits, reward him.
If he is really having trouble, enrolling you and your pet for an obedience class could be a good idea.
An alternative method suggested by some experts uses the whistle. This obviously works well if you are likely to be involved in outdoor activities together. In this case, you will have to stand in front of your dog, say “sit”, blow your whistle and then gently push him into a sitting position. Repeat this a number of times till he starts sitting on his own. Then gradually phase out the verbal command, only using the whistle. Keep practicing the process and gradually increase the distance between you and your pet.
Whichever method you choose, remember that once your pet has mastered the command, continue his training by trying it out in different places, under different circumstances and with distractions.
Keep in mind:
- Use the same command every time. Do not, for instance, say “sit down” if you have trained him to respond to “sit”. Use a decisive tone of voice and issue the command a single time (not “sit, sit, siiiiiiit).
- It would help if your pet has already learnt to respond to his name. Another helpful idea is to try the training when you dog is on an empty stomach, to increase his enthusiasm about getting that treat.