| Teaching a dog to sit is one of the easiest and most | | | | leash him and get the dog's attention. Say the dog's |
| basic of instructions. With puppies keep your training | | | | name and SIT and pull up on the leash and push |
| sessions extremely short (5 minutes) and always | | | | down on the rump with your other hand. As he |
| keep it fun. | | | | starts to sit, say Good Boy or Girl. |
| Say the pup's name and say SIT move your hand | | | | Don't give praise until he sits all the way. Then make |
| under the pups chin and at the same time put the | | | | a fuss and pat him briefly, then say OK or FREE to |
| other hand down on the pups rump. Lift under the | | | | release him from the sit. |
| chin and push down on the rump, the head will stay | | | | Teaching your dog when to stop sitting is almost as |
| put and rear end will lower into the SIT position. | | | | important as the sit itself. Gradually make the sits |
| When the puppy has completed this say Good Boy | | | | longer, try 20 seconds up to a minute and on to 5 |
| or Girl. Repeat 3 or 4 times - less if the pup loses | | | | minutes; until the dog really gets that sitting means |
| interest. After a number of repetitions, the pup will | | | | sit until I release you. |
| start sitting without the use of hands. | | | | Five to ten minutes a day should be all that's required |
| Teaching an older dog to sit is almost as easy. The | | | | to teach your dog this one simple command, but it |
| principle is the same - if the head goes up, the rear | | | | forms the basis of training and can completely |
| goes down. If the older dog won't focus on you, | | | | change your relationship with your dog. |