How to teach your dog to sit.
Introduction
The "Sit" command is one of the most basic and important commands that you can teach your dog. It is useful in a variety of situations, such as when you need your dog to stay still for a vet exam, when you need them to wait their turn, or when you need them to be calm in public.
Common Misconceptions
- You should never push your dog down into the sitting position. This can actually make the problem worse. Instead, simply give the "Sit" command and wait for your dog to get into the sitting position on their own.
- You should never yell at your dog when they don't sit. Yelling will only make your dog scared and confused. Instead, use a firm voice and say the "Sit" command calmly and consistently.
- You should never give your dog treats when they don't sit. This will only reinforce the behavior. Instead, only give your dog treats when they are being calm and following the "Sit" command.
"Sit" Command - Video Walkthrough
Steps to Address
Teaching Phase
- Start by teaching your dog to sit and then to stay in a sit for a few seconds. To do this, hold a treat in front of your dog's nose and move it up over their head. As your dog follows the treat with their nose, their bottom will naturally lower to the ground. Once your dog is sitting, mark the behavior with a "yes" or a click and give them the treat. Repeat this process several times until your dog is reliably sitting when you give the "Sit" command.
- Once your dog is reliably sitting, you can start to increase the duration of the sit. To do this, start by giving your dog the "Sit" command and then wait for a few seconds before giving them the treat. Gradually increase the amount of time you wait before giving them the treat until your dog is able to sit for a few minutes at a time.
Reinforcing Phase
- Once your dog is reliably sitting for a few minutes at a time, you can start to fade the treats. To do this, start by giving your dog the "Sit" command and then only give them the treat sometimes. Gradually decrease the amount of times you give them a treat until they are sitting reliably without any treats.
- It is important to be consistent with your reinforcement. If you only give your dog a treat sometimes, they may start to think that they only need to sit sometimes. Make sure to give your dog a treat every time they sit correctly, even if it is just a small treat like a piece of kibble.
Proofing Phase
- Once your dog is reliably sitting in a quiet environment, you can start to proof the command in different environments. To do this, try practicing the "Sit" command in different places, such as in a park, at the store, or at a friend's house. You can also try practicing the command when there are distractions present, such as other dogs or people.
- It is important to be patient and consistent when proofing the "Sit" command. If your dog starts to get distracted, take a break and try again later. With time and patience, your dog will be able to sit reliably in any environment.
Maintenance Phase
- Once your dog is reliably sitting in a variety of environments, you can start to move into the maintenance phase. This means that you will need to continue practicing the "Sit" command regularly to keep it fresh in your dog's mind. You can also try practicing the command in new and challenging situations, such as when your dog is excited or when there are a lot of distractions present.
- It is important to keep the training sessions short and fun. If your dog starts to get bored or frustrated, take a break and try again later. With regular practice, your dog will be able to sit reliably for a long time.
Case Studies
- Case Study 1:
A client came to Partners Dog School with a 1-year-old Golden Retriever named Buddy who was jumping on people. The client was concerned that Buddy would knock someone over or hurt them. We started by teaching Buddy the "Sit" command. We used a combination of positive reinforcement and proofing to help Buddy learn the command. After a few weeks of training, Buddy was reliably following the "Sit" command and no longer jumping on people.
- Case Study 2:
Another client came to Partners Dog School with a 3-year-old Border Collie named Bailey who was chewing on furniture. The client was worried that Bailey would destroy the furniture. We started by teaching Bailey the "Sit" command. We also taught Bailey a "Place" command so that he could have a designated spot to go when he was feeling restless. After a few weeks of training, Bailey was reliably following the "Sit" command and no longer chewing on furniture.
Pet Parent Coaching Tips
- Be consistent with your training. The more consistent you are with the "Sit" command, the more likely your dog is to learn it.
- Be patient. It takes time and patience to teach a dog a new command. Don't get discouraged if your dog doesn't learn the command right away. Keep practicing and eventually they will get it.
- Be positive. Use positive reinforcement when your dog follows the "Sit" command
Conclusion
The "Sit" command is a valuable skill for any dog to know. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can teach your dog to sit on command. With consistent training, your dog will be able to follow the command in a variety of situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What if my dog doesn't seem to understand the "Sit" command? A: If your dog is not understanding the "Sit" command, it may be helpful to break the command down into smaller steps. Start by teaching your dog to sit and then to stay in a sit for a few seconds. Once your dog is reliably sitting for a few seconds, you can start to increase the duration of the sit.
- Q: What if my dog is only following the "Sit" command when I have a treat? A: If your dog is only following the "Sit" command when you have a treat, it may be helpful to use variable reinforcement. This means that you should only give your dog a treat sometimes when they follow the command. This will help them to learn that the "Sit" command is rewarding even when there is no treat involved.
- Q: What if my dog is still not following the "Sit" command after I've been training them? A: If your dog is still not following the "Sit" command after you've been training them, it may be helpful to seek professional help from a dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help you to troubleshoot the problem and develop a training plan that is tailored to your dog's individual needs.