Basic Dog Training - The Sit Command

Some people feel that the easier dog training commands such as the 'Sit' command are not as important as house training and other related obedience training. However, this could not be more wrong - teaching your puppy to sit is the back bone of everything that your puppy will learn later in his life. The 'Sit' command not only stops your dog or puppy from jumping up on your cue but it teaches your puppy the very basics of positive reinforcement. This basic command also displays your role as the pack leader and alpha male and gives your puppy very important boundaries that he should follow later in life.

What you will need...

1. Plenty of patience - don't expect your puppy to ger it right first time.
2. Some treats as we are using reward based training methods.
3. A leash - this is not always necessary but we prefer the leash method as it keeps your puppy in your control and also stops your puppy from running off and chasing anything that grabs his attention. It also gets your puppy use to wearing a leash.
4. A quiet area - you want to have somewhere where you won't disturbed by other people, dogs and noise as this will only distract your puppy.
5. Don't make sessions too long (5 minutes is fine) as your puppy will lose his attention and will stop wanting to learn.
6. Don't confuse your puppy by throwing lots od commands at him - keep everything short and snappy.
7. Be fair and consistent with your puppy as he will learn to respect you for it.

So let's get started...

1. Your puppy will be standing so attach a leash to him and hold the leash in one hand.
2. In the other hand hold some treats.
3. Gently move the treats just above his nose and across his back.
4. This will make your puppy automatically want to sit.
5. As soon as he sits give him lots and lots of praise and a treat.
6. If he fails to sit when you do this then keep practicing until he does.

The sit command may be one of the more basic dog training commands but you should teach it to your puppy from an early age - it will start you both off on the right foot. Good luck and practice on a daily basis.

Tobias Charles writes on all aspects of dog obedience training, puppy training and dog health care. For more information visit his website for the best dog obedience training tips, health care advice and recipes for homemade dog foods for more great tips and information.

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