SIT - Why train sit?

very dog should have one command she can do anywhere, anytime. Sit is a great contender for that job. It gives your dog a way to say, “Please,” and can become her default greeting, which stops her from jumping on people.

How to train it:

• Step 1. Say it. Tell your dog, “Sit” in a cheerful tone of voice.

• Step 2. Show it. Pause a second (one-one thousand), then lure your dog into a sit by putting the treat up to her nose and slowly moving the treat backwards and up. Keep the treat lure close to your dog’s nose—if you move your hand up too quickly or too far away from her mouth, she may give up and lose interest.

• Step 3. Pay it. As soon as your dog’s hindquarters hit the ground mark and treat. Repeat as many times as you can, so long as you and your dog are still enjoying yourselves. Mark and treat every sit.

• Step 4. Repeat it. Repeat the exercise several times over a few days. When your dog sits reliably, it is time to take the treat out of your hand and use the verbal cue alone. If your dog makes a mistake, first try luring without the treat. Only put the treat back in your hand if all else fails.

Training Tip: Only say the command once. Say it, pause, then lure. For recommended HIGH VALUE treat, see recommendation below.