Training your dog to respond immediately and quickly when you ask him to “sit”, making sitting almost automatic, is useful in many different situations. It also acts as a calming, self-control action for your pooch.
Test how well your dog responds to “sit”. Does he do it immediately first time you ask or do you have to say “sit” several times before he responds? If he responds well in your house, does he respond just as quickly when you’re out on a walk? Or at a friend house? Or when he’s off lead?
It’s worth putting some effort into training a great sit.
Here’s how to play:
– Wait for your pooch to look at you. (He should be doing this regularly now if you’ve been playing the Name Game!)
– When he does, smile and gently praise, but do not fuss or treat – yet!
– Wait patiently and your pooch will most likely sit. As soon as his bottom hits the floor, praise well, fuss and give a treat while he remains in the sit. If he moves, simply stand up and wait again
– Then throw a treat a short distance away on the floor and let him go to it and eat it
– Wait for him to look at you and wait for a sit again
– Repeat 5 times in each practice session.
Once he gets good at this game at home, practice in lots of different places, for example, when out on walks. Ask for “sit” in lots of different places and situations and you’ll be well on the way to having a well-behaved dog.
Keep training,
Carol