If you’ve just welcomed a new puppy into your home then you’ll want to get started with basic command training ASAP. Being able to communicate with your pup is key, and, when it comes to basic command training, Sit is usually one of the very first cues people teach. While it seems pretty basic, it’s actually very important for young Fido to master.
The Benefits of Sit
First things first: Training your dog to Sit on command can help settle down young Fido when needed. It plays an important role in managing unwanted behaviors, as a dog can’t jump on people, steal food from the table, or chase after something while sitting.
Plus, mastering Sit is the first step toward learning a slew of other key commands, like lie down and stay.
What You’ll Need to Train Your Dog to Sit
- High-value treats. During training sessions, you’ll want to pull out the big guns. Think: boiled chicken, sardine crisps, baked beef liver. To avoid over-feeding treats, make sure to break each one into super teeny tiny bites.
- Clicker, if you’re clicker training!
- A quiet, distraction-free room.
Training Steps
Eliminate Distractions
In a quiet room, sit or kneel next to your dog. Whenever you begin a training session with Fido, picture an imaginary bubble around the two of you. For new commands, it’s essential to keep that bubble small.
Show the Treats
Start by holding a training treat close to your dog’s nose. Once he gets a good whiff and shows interest in the treat, slowly move your treat-filled hand upward. Your dog’s snout should stay glued to your hand, as if the two are magnets. By raising your hand, this should cause your dog to tilt his head up and his bottom should lower to the ground.
Once your pup’s booty touches the ground (not just hovering, but actually touching), immediately give a reward marker (either click the clicker or say a verbal marker, like “Yes!” in an upbeat tone) and offer the treat. Follow up the treat with praise and petting. Keep in mind: You shouldn’t need to press your dog’s tush to the floor. Let it come naturally.
Repeat this process several times, until your dog begins sitting at the sight of the treat moving above his nose.
Add the Cue Word
Now that your dog is getting the hang of things, add in the cue word. While holding the treat, say the word “Sit” as you begin lifting your hand. Again, once your dog’s bottom touches the ground, give the reward marker, treat, and praise.
No Treat in the Hand
The next step is to repeat the same process with an empty hand. As you cue your dog to Sit, I recommend pinching your fingers together (as if you’re holding a treat) and do a similar hand motion (like a scooping-up action). Once your dog’s bottom hits the ground, give the reward marker and offer a treat (one you were hiding in your other hand).
Change up the Location
Once your dog is mastering the Sit command in a quiet room, change up the location. Practice in other rooms and eventually outdoors. This will naturally increase the number of distractions present, but that’s a good thing. Ultimately, you want your dog to listen to your Sit command despite their surroundings.
Go Slow
Most dogs pick up the Sit command pretty quickly. Still, keep training sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes max. Since puppies have short attention spans, it’s better to keep sessions shorter and carve out pockets of time throughout the day to train.
