How to train a dog to sit
A pet owner can establish leadership over the dog with obedience training. Having a leader to follow will make a dog an ideal well behaved pet. Dogs that do not have a clear view of their rank in the pack have the tendency to develop unwanted behaviors. One of the reasons why dogs are either abandoned or left in animal shelters is because owners have not taken the trouble to obedience train the dog.
Most dog owners find training the pet a daunting task but having a dog that can do tricks will certainly be a gratifying achievement. Pet owners should not find training the dog to sit an off-putting task as sitting is one of the natural actions of dogs. The dog owner simply needs to make the pet understand what the sit command means so that it will perform the expected action when the command is given
The dog already knows how to sit but your pet does not know what the word sit means. A dog owner can introduce sit to the dog by saying the word every time the dog is seen about to slump down on its rear end. Being intelligent creatures, the word will be associated by the dog to the action. Because dogs have very short attention spans they get easily distracted. Training the dog to sit will be more effective if the short sessions are conducted in an area that is relatively free from distractions. Arm yourself with a bagful of the dog’s favorite treats that will be used as positive reinforcement.
Dogs are noticed to respond eagerly to training if they have bonded with the master before a training session as their inherent eagerness to please comes out. Call the dog’s name in a clear voice to get its attention. Holding a piece of treat, wave your hand to get the dog’s attention. Being food motivated, the dog will be forced to sit to get the treat that is held over its head. A treat that is held too high will make the dog jump instead. Trying to get the treat, the dog will sit but before its bottom touches the ground, give the sit command. Reward the dog with a treat as soon as it sat down. The treat will be associated with the action.
Patience and positive attitude is the key to a successful training. Five to ten minute training sessions conducted two to three times everyday will eventually make the dog obey the command even without seeing a treat.
Sarah’s Dogs provides more information on how to teach a dog to sit as well as dog first aid.
