• Nadine Whittal, dog trainer writes:
One of the most basic commands that we like to teach our dogs is to sit. It’s a useful command to have because it is a nice and controlled position for a dog to be in and allows you the chance to think or move around without your dog getting in the way. However, there are definitely dos and don’ts when training a dog to sit … or any command really.
Firstly, I am a big believer in positive reinforcement training, which means that I will use a treat to lure a dog into position rather than force the dog into position using a lead or by pushing on the dog’s hind quarters. If you have ever had the opportunity to take a look at an X-ray of a puppy’s bone structure, you will find that a lot of their bones are not yet properly connected. Why? It allows time for them to grow and their growth plates to settle. Placing any undue force on these areas of the dog can damage their bones or stunt their growth. So, pushing on your dog’s hind quarters or yanking on the lead is a definite don’t.
Luckily, dog body mechanics can make teaching a sit very easy. Essentially, when a dog’s nose goes up, their rear ends tend to automatically go down. We can use this to our advantage.
Firstly, you will need something that you can use to lure the dog’s nose up. Make sure you have a treat or a toy that is exciting for the dog so that it will be properly motivated.
Second, place the treat just by the dog’s nose and slowly raise your hand up above the dog’s head, but keep the treat close to the nose.
As the dog’s nose starts to follow your hand the dog’s rear end should start to move downwards. As soon as its rear end hits the floor, release the treat and praise the dog.
Do this a couple of times and then start to incorporate the verbal command “sit” into the action. Slowly fade out the use of the lure and simply give the hand command and then the verbal command.
Eventually, your dog will be able to sit as soon as you give the verbal command. It is as easy as that! Give it a try with your own dogs at home and see how it goes.
