Dog Training – SIT

Dog Training – SIT

“SIT” is one of the basic commands your dog should learn. This is very easy and dogs normally learn this is very fee sessions. Even a relatively young puppy picks up this command very quickly.
Here is a step by step procedure -

1. Find a place that is quiet and free from distractions.
2. Make sure your dog is not in need to go to the bathroom or very hungry.
3. Keep a treat handy or any other form of positive reinforcement.
4. Hold the treat over your dog's nose and slowly move it above his head.
5. As your dog's eyes and nose follow the treat he will likely sit down by himself at this point. You can even give a gentle push on his backside to give him the idea and make him sit.
6. Give him some praise and the treat.
7. Repeat this few times.
8. Now add “SIT” in firm voice.
9. Repeat this few times.
10. Now the dog will associate the command “SIT” with sitting position.
11. Keep the first session relatively short, but give it another try in a few hours and to try different parts of the house as well as outside.
12. Later on you can remove the treat.
13. When your dog can sit in any situation, inside or out, with other dogs or people around, you'll know that you have now successfully trained your dog or puppy to sit.

Tips
1. Use the EXACT same command AFTER the dog's name (e.g. whisky, 'sit' not whisky, 'sit down')
2. Do not fumble around looking for the reward after the dog sits. Have it handy!
3. Do not train after meals or when the dog will not enjoy the treat.

Links –
http://www.k911dogtraining.info/sit.html
http://www.pets.ca/pettips/tips-42.htm