by Kerlain Kate

Created on: October 28, 2009   Last Updated: October 29, 2009

Dog sitting is a key position in many training exercises. We can teach a dog to sit when it is already paying his attention to initial commands like "Play!", "Come!" and "Stay!". Sitting reflex can be taught through the first or second method. The method of choise depends on the dog's individual character. The first method is mainly used for training young dogs or dogs with the prevailing food reaction. The second method is used to train aggressive dogs.

First Method

Attach dog to a short lead. Take a lead with your left hand 20-30cm away from the collar. Hold some delicious treats in your right hand and stand on the dog's right side. Say its name. After a short pause, say command "Sit!" and let your dog to sniff delicacies. Then slowly raise your hand above the dog's head toward the crest. It will try to reach the treats, but a short lead will not allow him to jump up, so it will slowly sit up. When the dog sit, give him delicacies, pat him and praise.

Second Method

Keep the dog on a short lead and stand up from its right side. Then turn to the dog and take a lead to the right hand, 10-15cm away from the collar. Say command "Sit!" and place your hand on your dog's waist (near the sacrum) and push it down, forcing the dog to sit. At the same time, twitch the lead up and back. When dog sits down, repeat the command "Sit!". Then encourage him, give some treats, pat and praise. Let it sit for 5-10 seconds and then command "Play!". Repeat this exercise after 5-6 minutes.


When the dog starts to respond to the command "Sit!", make this exercise more difficult. Sit it away from yourself. Grow the distance between the dog and yourself gradually, until the dog will learn to sit 15 meters away. Dog can not change the position when you go away. If the dog tries to join you and go behind, repeat the command "Sit!" immediately. Your voice must be loud and strict. The longer distance is the longer seating time.

Possible Trainer Mistakes

1) Inappropriate use of lead when moving away from the dog. Do not do pain for your dog.

2) Not correcting dog sitting mistakes in time.

3) Too often calling to come from a sitting position. Dog learns to sit at the right time difficultly.

4) Multiple commands pronouncement before giving treats, pushing the waist down and easy pulling the lead up and back.

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