Teaching your dog how to sit can be very simple if you are able to use positive reinforcement. If you want to know how to teach puppy to sit, then there are a number of methods which can be used. The type of training that is best for your dog will depend on how disciplined they are, as well as the level of energy that they are. Some dogs are more passive than others, while some need to be encouraged to practice sitting. This article will provide information on how to teach a puppy to sit.
It is important to start off with a standing start when teaching dogs how to sit. Some dogs may have difficulty remaining sitting for extended periods and may need to be encouraged to remain sitting on command. You can teach any dog how to sit at any time, regardless of their age! Older dogs and puppies can easily catch on to the sitting position, and even less mobile dogs can learn how to remain sitting when commanded.
To begin, lead your dog by placing your hand in front of your pet’s nose. Take your dominant hand, and move it down the leg of the pup. Keep both paws flat on the floor, and have your dominant hand under the belly slightly. Give the verbal cue “sit” to your pup and bring your canine friend into contact with the sitting area on your command. Continue this procedure over until your pup has mastered the sitting position on your verbal cue. For highly energetic or bouncy puppies and dogs, the popping-back method described further below often works best.
If your puppy remains on all the time, you can try using treats as a substitute for the verbal cue “sit.” Lead your dog to the treat on your command, and keep treats close to your dog’s eye at all times. Be sure that the treats are small, as puppy teeth are not developed enough to break them open. When your pup has finished his or her meal, offer the treat, which should get his attention immediately, followed by praise.
To teach this lesson safely and humanely, begin by having treats between your dog’s teeth. As he starts to stand, you will need to say the release word, which means “free.” Do not offer the treat immediately – wait until he has started to settle down. You can give him the treat before he has started to lie down, but not before. This will confuse your dog and cause him to release the tension in his neck, chest, back and stomach.
The next part of this article covers the actual training exercises. Your puppy is now lying down, so when starting your training, start by sitting on the floor, with your puppy’s back facing you. Have your hand placed comfortably above his stomach so that it does not interfere with his breathing. Say the release word once, and then move to a different part of his body, say the word again and hold your hand a bit further out than you had previously. Continue to do this until your puppy has calmed down, making sure to praise him each time he complies with your commands.
If you are using a clicker during your training sessions, it is important that you use them in a safe manner. Never click your puppy while he is lying down, on his back or side. Clicking your puppy when he is in a standing position gives him the opposite reaction, so start and end your training sessions according to the way that you would like your puppy to behave. Be certain that your puppy understands that the click means that he has done something wrong. Once your puppy has been properly trained, he will often look for the treat himself, rather than continuing to make his negative behavior visible to you.
As always, it is crucial that you teach your puppy to respect boundaries and obey orders. This is easier than it sounds, but it is simply a matter of patience and repetition. As your puppy matures, your relationship will become even closer, and he will look forward to your training sessions. He may even ask to be trained personally, in which case you should not hesitate to let him in on the secret of how to teach a puppy to sit. Treats can also help keep your puppy distracted during your training, which is important when you are trying to teach him acceptable behavior.