Teaching how to teach puppy to sit is easier than you think, if you’re prepared to put in the time. Puppy’s are highly intelligent creatures that learn much better through the touch of a human hand than through a harsh “catch them” command. Teaching them not to jump on people or pull on the leash, is easy once they understand that it’s a sign of approval from you. Once they’ve learned to respect you, there are several more commands that will prove to be quite fun for your pup.
Teaching any dog how to sit is pretty simple, regardless of their age! Puppies as young as 6 weeks can easily catch on, and even older dogs without many mobility issues can learn how to sit on command when called. For high-energy or bouncily puppies and dogs, the catching method described further below is best for training. Remember to use a firm, yet gentle hand when attempting this dog training technique! Good luck!
Begin dog training commands like sit and stay by showing your dog’s the appropriate place to sit. Once they’ve learned where they should sit, you can move on to teaching them to stand safely on command. For puppies, I always find it easiest to begin this with treats and praise, as their minds are still relatively small and easy to influence. Older dogs respond better to praise alone as they get used to seeing a reward after every correct command.
One of the biggest mistakes I see in training puppies is trying to train them all at once. It’s much easier and quicker to run a couple of training sessions over a number of weeks than it is to try and train them all at once. It takes time for them to assimilate all the training you do teach them. Most experts recommend that you train them for at least 8 weeks before introducing anything else, and even then, only if they’ve completely mastered the first couple of sessions.
One great way to teach your dog to listen to you is through the ‘clicker’ method. A clicker is a small device which goes ‘tingly’ when it is pressed. Everyone learns to associate a clicking sound with a reward, so your puppy will almost instinctively respond to the clicking sound when you give a treat or praise. To use this method effectively, you’ll need to teach your dog where he can place his paws on the floor, close his eyes, and concentrate. You can then use the clicker and command him to lie down and let the clicking noise build up in intensity until he obeys.
Another way how to teach puppy to sit is through teaching him the ‘stay’ command. This is actually a lot easier than it sounds, because dogs are naturally very obedient creatures. All you have to do is tell your pup to stop and sit, and then point to a spot on the floor where he must sit. If he moves out of range of the clicker and keeps moving in the opposite direction, then you must reinforce the stay command until he learns it.
Another easy step on how to teach puppy to sit is using treats and praise. Start off by having treats ready every time your dog does something right. Then, after he gets a reward for sitting, he should sit quietly while you give him a treat. This will train your dog that sitting means getting a reward, and that you are pleased with his behavior.
Keep in mind, however, that puppies can become distracted easily. As a puppy gets older, she may learn how to distract you. Watch her carefully, and you’ll be able to determine when she’s distracted, and then distract her yourself. Otherwise, you will end up using the clicker strategy, which isn’t as effective. When distractions are eliminated, then you can start focusing more on training your puppy!