Dog Training - Training a Dog to Sit

By Andrew Strachan

Training a dog to sit is one of the most fundamental commands that you can teach your dog. Among the variety of behaviors a dog can learn, the "sit" is perhaps one of the most important behaviors. Once it is established that you are the alpha (leader), you can put your dog on a systematic training program to teach him this fundamentally important behavior that is crucial to introduce other human-induced behaviors. Simply put, a dog is more attentive when he sits and his gaze is fixed on you the alpha making things easier for you.

During training, what the dog is not doing is as important as what he is doing, is what he is not. In spite of being more or less stationary in a "sit", you still can't be assured of total attention, don't forget those wagging tails, after all. The breed of a dog can largely influence his ability to learn and the time required to complete training. Also important, is your individual training style and how patient you can be when teaching your dog these important etiquettes. Being a very basic move, your dog is bound to learn it sooner or later.

In order to train your dog, it's important to closely observe him so that you can chalk out a training program based on his spontaneous behavior. The rationale behind doing this is that you need to catch the dog in the middle of performing the behavior and say 'sit' and gesture so that he learns to correlate the commands to that particular behavior. Once his mind is conditioned to respond to these commands, you will surely get the desired behavior. Give the command using a particular tone and with a unique hand signal so that the dog easily associates these signals to that behavior. One thing you must never forget to do is praise him lavishly when you get the desired outcome. Don't rush with food treats, as you need to save these bribes to get the dog on track. Often times, your dog is really confused and may have no clue why you are so happy, but it makes them happy to see you, the alpha happy. When these actions and praises are repeated, he will soon be able to figure out what's really happening. In order to initiate a "sit", face him and then give the command and see if he acts the way you want him to. Fast learners may learn it in just a few attempts while some may really try your patience.

For slow learners, hold a favorite toy or a treat a little above his head and slightly behind the forehead (it should be visible) to grasp his attention. This is the time to move the toy/treat gradually towards the tail to initiate a "sit". However, if the dog responds by backing up, you may repeat this technique near a fence, a wall, or a couch, where he has nowhere to go so and compelled to sit. When he is about to sit, give the command followed by the hand signal and then praise him or reward him so that he is encouraged to repeat it. For stubborn dogs, you may gently push on the back near the tail as you lift his chin when executing the command to literally force the "sit". Even "forced" sits need to be rewarded so that your dog cooperates with you during the training process. You need to be however careful with young puppies and see that you don't push them too hard.

Many trainers use a "clicker" (a plastic and metal device) that makes a distinct click-clack sound when you press and release it as an alternative for voice commands.

Article By Andrew Strachan. Find lots more information about training your dog to sit and different types of dogs at types-of-dogs.com Lots of help and advice too.