How To Teach Your Dog To Sit Teach Your Dog To Sit Dog Training: How To Get A Dog To Sit How To T

Training your dog to "sit" is a fairly simple process that can be taught to dogs of almost all ages. Despite the saying, you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Training a dog to sit is one of the most basic commands and ideally, you should begin training your dog from the youngest age possible. As with any type of dog training, little and often is the key. A dog does not understand that he is in a "training session", only that some behaviour is being rewarded. Dragging out training sessions for too long will have a negative effect, with the dog becoming distracted, which will be frustrating for both trainer and pet.

Teaching a dog to sit can actually be important for a dog's safety. Knowing your dog will sit on command can give you a tool to help him (or her) avoid dangers such as the road, dangerous wildlife or other hazards.

To begin the trainin, you should have an ample supply of small doggie treats. Try and keep them in a bag so the smell does not immediately distract your dog.

When you are teaching your dog a new trick, they will not have any comprehension of the word "sit", so you will have to physically relate the command to an action.

With your dog in a relaxed state, hold one hand gently but firmly on the front of their neck and with your free hand, push down on their lower back firmly while repeating the command "sit" in a firm tone.

It is likely that the first few times your dog will be confused and try and reverse or escape your grip. It is of vital importance that you do not lose your temper, get angry, or shout at your dog. This will only make further training sessions more difficult. The key is to reward and praise the wanted behaviour and be neutral and unreactive to all other behaviours.

As soon as your dog successfully sits (even if your still holding him), immediately praise the dog and pet him to let him know this is the wanted behaviour. The first time your dog successfully sits, give him one of the treats.

Repeat this process for up to five minutes at a time. Reward your dog with treats every 4-5 times he successfully sits on command.

After 5 minutes, you should give your dog at least a 30 minute break before starting any other training.

Once you have done this a few times, you will find your dog will respond without you physically interacting with him. Interestingly, most owners can successfully get their dog to sit without uttering a word, only with a gesture.

Once your dog sits when given a verbal command, you can try adding in gestures. For instance, clicking your fingers and pointing at the ground while saying "sit". Repeating this in your training sessions will result in your dog connecting the clicking of fingers and pointing to "sit".

It is important that you are consistent with your signals for different tricks for your dog. Giving mixed signals or trying to change signals will only confuse him. Make sure that you have made a decision about commands before starting to instruct your dog.

Good luck!