How to Teach Your Dog to Sit

When teaching your dog to sit, one of the first things you need to do is teach the behavior before you teach the command.  That means that they need to learn what you want them to do before you repeatedly tell them to do it.  Follow these steps:

• Take a treat, let your dog smell it and slowly raise it above your dog’s head
• If their bottom hits the ground, reward right away. If they are slower to catch on, then as their hind end starts to go down but stops, give them a treat right away at that point.
• Gradually try to get them to go down farther and farther and then offer the treat.
• As soon as their behind hits the floor, treat right away.  Keep in mind that you have one to three seconds to reward a behavior.
• Don’t be frustrated if your dog doesn’t get the sit on the first attempt.  It’s more important to end the session on a positive note and come back to it again the next day.

Watch this video for more info:

About the author: Travis Brorsen is one of the most sought after dog trainers in America today and is Founder of Greatest American Dog Trainers. In 2008, Travis and his 14-month old, highly energetic and untrained boxer, Presley, won the grueling 12 week CBS’ national dog training competition, Greatest American Dog. As a result of the show, Travis discovered he had a passion to help other dogs and their owners create similar positive learning and relationship building experiences. Today, Travis and his Greatest American Dog Trainers team specializes in basic and advanced obedience, dog health and fitness training, as well as behavioral issues. For more information, please go to greatestamericandogtrainers.com.