You can easily teach any dog how to sit, regardless of their age! Older dogs without any mobility issues can learn how to sit on their own, as can very energetic puppies and dogs with no mobility issues at all. For very high-energy or bouncy puppies and dogs, the grabbing technique explained below often works best.
Your puppy or dog should always be leashed in training sessions. During these sessions, grab a piece of newspaper and hold it in front of your dog’s nose. The goal is to cover the nose with the newspaper, so that your dog doesn’t try to knock it off. As you move through training sessions, try to not only cover the nose, but also the eyes and ears of your dog, since they may accidentally look around in other directions. Keep training sessions short – no more than 10 minutes in total.
To teach your dog how to stop staring at the ground while you walk, start by placing the dog’s nose directly under your chest. Try to keep it as high as possible. Then use a gentle pressure from your chest, using a “come” command if necessary, until your dog stops staring at the ground and starts staring at you. Repeat this several times, until your dog stops staring at the ground, starts looking at you, and even begins to follow you around!
For a positive note, begin each dog training session with a short exercise. Once your dog has stopped staring at the ground, take a few steps, making sure to keep both of your hands on your dog at all times. As you reach the end of the session, quickly give your puppy a treat and praise. Do this several times, making sure to give a positive note to your pup at the end of each session.
For a fast and easy way to practice the release cue, use a loose leash, but leave its lead still in contact with your body at all times. Instead of walking forward, place your hand right below your nose, then point to your nose with your pointer finger, indicating a release cue. The dog will naturally follow your pointing finger, stopping all non-verbal behaviors that indicate unwanted attention, such as staring or approaching other dogs. When he stops, give him a treat, praise, or toy.
As a final exercise in training your dog to release, practice by taking a couple of treats and waving them in front of his nose. If he sits down, release his nose with a treat, but quickly grab your treats again before giving him another treat. Continue this procedure for as long as you can. Eventually, he’ll learn that holding his nose means he’s happy and your hand signals are meant to reward him. Your dog will soon learn not to worry about lingering distractions like other dogs or people when sitting on the front door, because you’ve commanded him to do it.
Using the release cue is just one of the many sit behavior modification techniques available. Other methods include giving your dog a “stay” command and redirecting his attention to a fun toy or treat. You can also work on replacing your dog’s fear of discomfort with a feeling of satisfaction. To teach your dog a new way of thinking about sitting, you can play some soothing music while watching TV or while reading. Dogs respond well to positive reinforcement, such as being hugged, petted, or played with. By using creative visualization techniques with your dog, you can teach him new ways of thinking and a new way of behaving.
Your dog might have problems sitting if he’s nervous or anxious. If this is the case, use the release and sit commands often, but don’t give him the comfort blanket of constant reassurance that he can trust every time you’re home. He may be able to handle the occasional walk, but won’t enjoy staying indoors all day by himself. Be sure your dog can handle being left alone for a few minutes, though, as if he begins to become anxious when you leave, he’ll probably need more frequent training and guidance.