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How to Train Your Dog to Sit
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by Carissa Sykes
44 Likes
1.1k Views
Step 1 of 12
Alway use small treats when training dogs. You don't want to fill them up because dogs can become disinterested when they're full, which makes training difficult.

Alway use small treats when training dogs. You don't want to fill them up because dogs can become disinterested when they're full, which makes training difficult.

Step 2 of 12
I always grab a handful so I can get the treats to my dog as fast as possible. Dogs only have 3 seconds to associate the treat with the action they did correctly.

I always grab a handful so I can get the treats to my dog as fast as possible. Dogs only have 3 seconds to associate the treat with the action they did correctly.

Step 3 of 12
Get the dog's attention by letting them smell the treat and maybe even get a lick of it.

Get the dog's attention by letting them smell the treat and maybe even get a lick of it.

Step 4 of 12
I use a flat hand as my signal, so when I hold the treat I try to have it look as similar as possible. Push the treat toward the dog's face at nose level.

I use a flat hand as my signal, so when I hold the treat I try to have it look as similar as possible. Push the treat toward the dog's face at nose level.

Step 5 of 12
Once the bottom touches the floor, you can give the dog the treat!

Once the bottom touches the floor, you can give the dog the treat!

Step 6 of 12
The idea is that you're keeping the treat close to the dog's head, the dog's neck is straining to grab the treat, and the butt goes down automatically.

The idea is that you're keeping the treat close to the dog's head, the dog's neck is straining to grab the treat, and the butt goes down automatically.

Step 7 of 12

Make sure you aren't holding the treat too high as that can make the dog want to jump up. Also, some dogs want to use their paws to get the treat out of your hands. Wait for all 4 paws to be down!

Step 8 of 12
Always release your dog letting them know they're done with that action and you aren't going to ask them anything else in that session. I use the word OK and pay my leg.

Always release your dog letting them know they're done with that action and you aren't going to ask them anything else in that session. I use the word OK and pay my leg.

Step 9 of 12
Up the ante when they're good at sitting with the treat, to trying to just use your hand signal with no treat in hand. Still give treats, just store them in your other hand.

Up the ante when they're good at sitting with the treat, to trying to just use your hand signal with no treat in hand. Still give treats, just store them in your other hand.

Step 10 of 12

Notice I haven't introduced my word SIT yet. I only use the word once the dog is perfect with the hand signal. Remember, dogs don't speak English, they use body language.

Step 11 of 12
Finished product!

Finished product!

Step 12 of 12

Keep and eye out for more dog training!

You're Done!
Start over

This guide was made by:
Carissa Sykes
New York, NY
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Pet trainer at PetSmart in Manhattan.

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R V

I just found your guides and will using it with my pup. She's a feminist so I've been having issues with her. Thank you much

R V last month

Sara Scott

Another way is to "capture" the behavior instead of luring it. The dog will sit at some point if you just wait them out (very natural). When he/she does, reward by tossing the treat in another direction so that the dog is now in a standing position again. Do this a few times until they catch onto the game and then give it a name and/or a body gesture. I like capturing as much as possible because once they figure something like sit out on their own, they become sitting machines. :D

Sara Scott 3 months ago

Annie Ragni

My dog sits but he just listens to sit nothing else...

Annie Ragni 5 months ago

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