Teach Dog to Sit: The Basics
As basic as it can be, learning how to teach dog to sit down is the most fundamental part of discipline training. As what other dog trainers tell you, enabling your dog to sit down at your command opens you up to more possibilities to train your dog to follow other commands.
In addition, teaching your dog to sit down is a victory in and of itself, since it speaks volumes of how much of an efficient dog trainer and owner you are.
Still for some newbies, the simple command of “sit down” can be a complex thing to teach, especially when it comes to training puppies.
We can hear a lot of stories about how trainers become frustrated with their pets for simply disobeying the command to sit.
But really, what is so difficult about teaching a dog to rest its buttocks on the ground?
Well, we can point out a lot of issues regarding this, and chief of them all is that dogs are generally stubborn – at first! While we can always be convinced that dogs can be fast learners, allowing them to absorb a simple command actually takes a lot more time and effort on your part.
So in this case, how can you achieve the very simple objective of teaching your dog to sit?
Luckily, you don’t have to consult a professional dog trainer for this one. You only need to have patience and apply the most effective means to teach your dog to sit like it’s Scooby Doo!
Below are some of the best methods you can to teach your dog to sit:
Use Dog Training Treats
In dog training, nothing beats positive reinforcement in the form of dog treats (dog biscuits or what have you).
Motivation is the key to get your dog to become more responsive and obedient towards you.
It shouldn’t be much of a hassle for you to go to a nearby pet store and buy a bag of treats before you start teaching your dog to obey your command.
Once you have these treats, it would be easier for you to get your dog to obey your every command.
Give Verbal Motivation
If you only have gastronomic motivation at your disposal, it is still insufficient to actually get your dog to obey your commands.
It will go a long way if you add a little tender, love and care by telling your dog he is a good boy.
Such a form of motivation will get your dog’s attention and, more importantly, respect. This leads us to the next point…
Do Not Get Angry
As much as it is a very stressful task, teaching your dog to sit shouldn’t cause you to become desperate.
Some people will become frustrated to the point of shouting at their dog and keeping in mind that if you “spare the rod,” you “spoil the child.”
As much as you want to make the training period end faster, you need to understand that your dog needs time to absorb what it has to learn.
A command a simple as “sit down” can’t be learned overnight, so always be patient and never lose your cool.
Use the Right Dog Training Commands
A caveat in dog training is that people often use the wrong commands in the process. To achieve the kind of results you want, you need to start off by introducing a treat.
Let your dog sniff the treat, then guide him to assume a sitting position by guiding him with your hand or giving him a little nudge to sit down.
Once he successfully sits down, give him the treat. This way, he will be able to associate the act of sitting down to the treat, therefore internalizing the command.
You may want to do several repetitions in a day so your dog can truly understand the significance of following the command.
In Conclusion
Teaching your dog how to sit, although a basic task, can be challenging if you don’t follow the right steps. Be patient and be smart at the same time.
Make sure that you don’t show aggression towards your dog as you don’t want him to feel alienated towards you.
In the end, you and your dog should always maintain a mutually respectable relationship and deep connection.
