Teaching the Sit

TEACHING THE SIT

The well-trained dog should know a variety of commands, but none is more important than the “sit”. If your dog will sit on command anywhere and anytime, you will be able to control your dog and create the important expectation that you give the orders and your dog obeys.

The “sit” is one of the easiest commands to master. The dog should not be forced, punished, or pushed down into the sitting position. Instead, put a small amount of the dog’s favorite treat in each hand and hold one hand in front of his nose to get his attention. Then move this hand backwards over the top of the dog’s head, without raising the hand too high in the air (which might encourage the dog to jump up to take the tidbit). As the dog’s attention follows the hand with the food, he will have to sit down or turn around. If he turns around, bring your hand out in front again and start over. If he sits, give him a treat IMMEDIATELY from the other hand and praise him. If this process is repeated a few times, the dog will quickly pick up the idea that he is being rewarded when his bottom touches the floor. Don’t reward the sit unless you have given the command, however; remember that you are the one who gives the orders! Once the dog learns the ‘sit” command, it is a good idea to “release” him so he knows he is free to move again. Praise him and give him a treat for the “release” as well—this adds to your control over his activities. Once your dog responds to this command consistently, space out the rewards, giving occasional food treats and lots of “good dog” praise.

A key point that must be understood is that dogs are “situational learners”; if one person teaches the dog to sit under certain circumstances, the dog will not necessarily transfer this learning to other command-givers or other settings. Therefore, the entire training process should be repeated in different places and by different people. If you really think your dog knows his “sit”, try giving the command while he is eating or while you are standing on a chair!

Now that your dog will sit wherever he is and for whomever gives the command, here are a few useful ways to use the “sit” as a key to a better behaved pet:

*When you or a guest in your house greet the dog, teach the dog to sit first—your guests will be so impressed by his manners!

**Teach your dog to sit when the doorbell rings. Select a spot away from the door, but visible from the doorway. This will not only prevent a chaotic scene as you try to open the door with the dog underfoot, but it will also be a security measure. No unwelcome visitor would dare force his way into the house with an obviously trained dog “standing guard”.

***When you are walking your dog at the park and a potentially unfriendly dog approaches, have your dog sit (this may be the true test of whether your dog will always obey). Often this defuses an aggressive situation and prevents a fight.

****Command your dog to sit before anything good in life: dinner, playtime, or playtime. If your dog knows he must “earn” the good life with this simple act of obedience, it will make life much more enjoyable for both of you. When properly taught and frequently used, the “sit” is almost magic. And remember, even old dogs can relearn and refine an old trick.