Teaching your dog to sit is a foundational skill, not just for obedience but for building trust and understanding between you and your canine friend as it is often the first command they will learn. It is almost similar to seeing a baby’s first steps!
Step 1: Preparation
Before diving in, make sure you're well-equipped:
- PupSensei Magnetic Treat Pouch: Fill with enticing homemade treats, such as boiled chicken shredded into small bits or tiny pieces of string cheese.
- PupSensei Training Clicker: To mark the exact moment of desired behavior.
- PupSensei 30ft Leash: Essential for later steps, especially when adding distance.
Step 2: Luring into a Sit Without Verbal Commands
- Let your dog sniff the treat in your hand.
- Gently lift the treat above their head. As their nose follows the treat, their rear should naturally gravitate to the ground.
- As soon as they sit, click with your training clicker and reward them.
Step 3: Reducing the Lure Gesture
- Start to make your hand motion less pronounced over time. Instead of a full arc over their head, reduce the gesture incrementally until it’s just a small wrist movement.
- Each time they respond correctly, mark the moment with a click and then treat.
Step 4: Gesture without the Treat
- Once they've mastered the reduced gesture, attempt the same hand movement without holding a treat.
- They should still associate the gesture with the action of sitting. When they do, mark with a click and reward from the treats in your pouch.
Step 5: Introducing the Verbal Command
After your dog consistently sits with the non-treat gesture:
- Pair the hand gesture with the verbal command "Sit."
- Over time, start to phase out the hand gesture, placing more emphasis on the verbal cue.
- Always remember to click and reward promptly.
Step 6: Adding Duration, Distance, and Distractions
- Duration: Ask them to sit and delay the click and treat, gradually increasing the wait time.
- Distance: Using the PupSensei 30ft Leash, step back after cueing a sit and reward them for staying seated as you increase distance.
- Distractions: Begin in a quiet place, then slowly introduce distractions. If they maintain the sit, click and treat.
Step 7: Diverse Environments
For a solid "sit" command, practice in multiple environments. From the living room to the park, training in diverse locations ensures they'll respond no matter where you are.
Final Thoughts
Training is an evolving process, demanding patience, consistency, and positivity. Using PupSensei's tools and the guidance above, soon enough, you'll have a dog who sits beautifully, strengthening the bond between you two with every session. Celebrate every success, and remember that every dog learns at their unique pace. Happy training!