10 Ways to Get Your Dog to Sit
“Sit” is one of the first commands that dog’s learn, as it’s a great place to start training and improve their behavior.
It’s a useful skill for your dog to have, that can be used in many situations – from crossing roads to meeting new people. It lays down the groundwork for teaching other commands, such as the “stay” command.
It’s a valuable skill that can be great when it comes to safety, as in a dangerous situation, sitting will calm your dog and keep him out of trouble.
For example, when you’re crossing a road, a sitting dog is highly unlikely to get injured or hit by a car.
Sitting also redirects your dog’s focus to you, which is ideal in situations where there are a lot of distractions. If your dog is boisterous or has a short attention span, it may take longer to train him.
How to Get My Dog to Sit? Find out the best way you can teach your dog the “sit” command.
1. The first step is relatively straightforward, but can take numerous attempts to perfect. While your dog is standing, place one of their favorite treats near to their nose. Wait for your furry friend to figure out how he’s going to get the treat from your hand.
2. Then, slowly move the treat over your dog’s head, making sure that your dog’s nose follows the treat.
3. As your dog raises his head to get closer to the seats, his back legs will relax and his bottom will reach the ground – he’ll be sitting. Some dogs will cheat and hover their bottoms on the floor, so don’t reward your dog until his bottom is firmly on the floor.
4. Once he’s sat down, give him the treat as a reward. In time, your dog will then associate sitting with being rewarded.
5. Add the command “sit”, and say it clearly and loudly when you want your dog to sit. Each time you repeat this process, your dog should sit for longer and longer, until the command has been learned.
6. If you want to, add a verbal or visual sign that your dog can be released from the sit position.
7. Once your dog is familiar with sitting in return for a treat, try doing it without the treat as motivation. If your dog is struggling, use your hand as a lure, to guide over his head like the treat to get him to sit down.
8. If your dog is struggling, don’t rush him. If necessary, you can go back to using treats to encourage your dog to sit down.
9. Be sure to try the command in various locations, so your dog doesn’t associate sitting with one area. The park, the garden, and inside the house are good places to start.
Trying in different locations is a great way to test how your dog reacts to distractions. In a dog park, for example, your dog may be less likely to sit as he’ll be too busy chasing the other dogs or staring at them.
The front door and the food bowl are great locations to practice this in, as then your dog is more likely to sit when guests arrive and before meal times – he’ll be a well mannered pup in no time!
10. Keep a close eye on your dog. If you already have a strong connection with your dog, then this step will be a lot easier. Whenever your dog sits down of his own accord, even if he doesn’t know you’re watching, reward him. You can use either hugs, toys or treats as a reward – as long as your dog knows he’s done good.
Training your dog can be a positive experience
It strengthens your bond with your dog, but if done incorrectly, it can be detrimental to your relationship with your dog. There are certain things that should be avoided when training your dog to sit. One of the worst things you can do is punish your dog for not sitting – this will only weaken your bond with your dog and associate sitting with fear.
Dogs rarely react well to negative reinforcement – positive reinforcement tends to be much more effective for both you and your dog.
Another thing you shouldn’t do is physically force your dog into a sitting position. For your dog to fully understand the command, he needs to do it himself and in his own time.
If you’re having trouble teaching your dog basic commands, speak to your veterinarian or a dog trainer.
Remember, it requires patience to teach commands to dogs. Don’t be disheartened if he isn’t getting the hang of it – keep going and he is sure to learn the command eventually.
Jack Campbell is the founder of Heel Boy Heel and guest author of “10 Ways to Get Your Dog to Sit”.
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