Learn all about this basic obedience behavior with this simple, vet-approved guide for teaching the “sit” command.
“Sit” is the first command that many pet parents start training with, since it’s a basic command that keeps your dog controlled and ready for action no matter what situation you’re in.
We know it can seem overwhelming at first, but with a little prep and background knowledge, it’s completely doable. Here’s our step-by-step guide to the sit command for your pet, which you can use to lay the foundation for future successful training sessions.
No dog or puppy trains in the same way. Acknowledging the uniqueness of your pet’s learning style and their individual learning needs is the first step to take for long-term training success. Here are some things to assess before any training or practice takes place:
👉 As the trust in the training relationship grows, you both might feel ready to move to a new training space as you master techniques.
Now that the prep work is done, it’s time to get down to business. Here’s a helpful guide to the sit command for your furry best friend.
This can be easier said than done. However, there are plenty of methods you can try. Many trainers and pet parents find luck with a morsel of your furry friend’s favorite food, or a verbal cue that lets them know that it’s “go time.” Some also find success asking their dog to sit before key parts of their day, such as before mealtimes, establishing it as a long-standing part of their daily habits.
If your pet isn’t used to training yet, don’t be afraid to start slow. You can allow your dog a few seconds to wrap up whatever they were doing before you attempt to get their attention, eventually working toward instant obedience when it’s time to do commands.
Treats are one of the best tools that you can use to teach “sit,” using them to “draw” where you want your pet to go.
Start by waving delicious food treats in front of your dog’s nose, slowly drawing a vertical line up a few inches. As they try to follow the treat lure, their nose will trail upward, forcing their rear end into a sitting position. The exact moment you see them sit, use praise for some extra positive reinforcement and celebrate with them.
Regardless if you’re training a young puppy or a senior, repetition is crucial for making the command really stick.. You can choose how much time your dog spends in a sit, using their body language and attention span as your gauge to keep going or cut it off early.
🐕 Never push your dog too far with training, as this can lead to frustration, loss of attention, or unwanted behaviors.
A treat reward generally works best — however, you might want to also reward with verbal praise, a fun new toy (like a ball), extra exercise time outside, or some other treat that your pet will love.
Once you’ve mastered sit, you can go the extra mile and try your hand — er, paw — at sitting pretty. This adorable pose puts your dog in a sitting position with their hind feet and rear end, pulling their front paws into a “begging” pose. It’s absolutely heartwarming, and it’s even easier to teach.
Here’s what you need to do to get your pet to sit pretty.
There are a few things to avoid whenever possible, no matter how you choose to teach your dog how to sit. Here are some common pitfalls — and fixes — to keep in mind as you go.
Every dog learns at a different pace. However, pet parents generally report that the sit command takes one to two weeks to master. The frequency of training and efficiency of training sessions can contribute to how long it takes.
Positive reinforcement coupled with short and sweet sessions is the best way to teach a dog to sit. They’ll be able to stay engaged longer, and they’ll want to stay engaged with the promise of positive reinforcement at the end of a sesh.
You can begin teaching your dog to sit in puppyhood, usually around six to eight weeks old. You can also teach older dogs to sit. Believe it or not, it is possible to teach an older dog new tricks!
You may be experiencing difficulty if your dog isn’t used to training, or if you haven’t found the right style of training for your dog. An experienced trainer can be a helpful resource here, as they can conduct a learning assessment with your pet and offer suggestions for more effective training methods.
Avoid the urge to turn to negativity if your dog refuses to sit. Instead, go back to the basics of the move using our helpful guide. Complete each round of work with positive reinforcement. If the refusal continues, speak with a dog trainer. They can help you to identify new methods of training that can lead your pet to a breakthrough.
You can help your older dog learn basic commands by starting slow and using rewards at every opportunity. It may take a bit longer for your dog to master commands, so consistency in your training regimen is key.
