Training your Dog to Sit

Training your dog to sit is an important part of a dog’s upbringing.  This helps both you and the dog to relate and understand each other better.  The command to ‘sit’ seems very simple,  but it is important because it can help your dog to escape several hazardous situations.  While crossing the road,  or even while strolling on the sidewalk,  if your dog is not on a leash and wants to cross,  the training will help him understand the word sit and make him wait and stop as commanded by you.

Dog-Sit

How to Train your Dog to sit:
Before you begin your training keep some small treat like a soft bone or a piece of ham in your hand.  Bring it close to your dog’s nose.  Now move the treat back towards the back of his head.  This will make the pup follow and naturally sit down.  Keep the treat at the dog’s eye level so he does not jump up,  because that would be a futile exercise as you are trying to get the pet to sit,  not jump.  The moment he begins the process of sitting down,  say the command ‘sit’ using a clear voice.  Keep your voice soft but firm while issuing the command.  The moment your dog has sat down give him the treat.  The timing of your giving the treat should be perfect.  Now your pet will connect your command of ‘sit’ with the action of sitting and the treat that follows.
As time goes by,  you will not need to use the help of the treat any longer.  Replacing the treat with praise and pats will also help.  Make sure you give him lots of praise when he performs the action of sitting as he is commanded.
Do not repeat the command of ‘sit’ more than five times.  Keep the sessions brief so that your dog will get bored.
Remember to not overdo the giving of treat when your dog performs the task of sitting as commanded by you.  Once you are sure that he has understood,  switch over to praising him.  That way you will not have to go around carrying treats every time you go for a walk.  Take him on a leash at first.  When he has grasped the idea of ‘sit’ you can then teach other commands like fetch,  come and heel.
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