How to teach a dog to sit: 6 Steps

Are you looking to teach your dog how to sit on command? Training a dog is rewarding and allows you to build a special bond with your dog.

Fortunately, teaching dogs simple commands like ‘sit’ doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming.

In this blog post, we'll guide you through everything you need to know about teaching your dog to sit.

What you need to train your dog to sit

So, you're ready to teach your dog to sit! That's great news. With a little bit of patience and practice, you'll have your pup sitting pretty in no time. First things first, gather your supplies.

  1. Your dog!
  2. A treat (or clicker)
  3. 15 minutes
  4. A quiet area with no distractions

How to teach a dog to sit: 6 Steps

How to teach a dog to sit

Teaching your dog to sit on command is a fundamental skill that every dog owner should master.

And the best part about it is that it's relatively straightforward and can be done with just a few simple steps.

First, find a quiet and distraction-free spot to begin the training.

1. Say "sit"

 

First, you just say "sit" and gently guide their hips and legs from a standing position to a sitting position. 

You can also start by letting them smell the treat near you dog's nose and then moving the treat over your dog's head towards their forehead. This will naturally have your dog moving into a sit position.

2. Repeat

We'll repeat this a few times until they get the hang of it on their own. It shouldn't take too long, but be patient - some pups are slower learners than others.

3. Continue for 15 minutes

Repeat these steps for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, your dog will likely become distracted and we'll start again tomorrow. It may take a few training sessions but stick with it.

4. Prepare for tomorrow

Tomorrow, we'll keep things going with another training session. Keep using treats as rewards for now.

5. Switch to praise instead of treats

Once they can sit without any treats, we'll switch to praise alone. Once your dog sits after hearing a verbal cue like the word sit, you know you've really got a good dog on your hands.

6. Done!

Your dog sits on command!

Bottom line: How to get a dog to sit

training a puppy to sit

Training your dog to sit may be easier than you think; it just takes 15 minutes and a few treats.

And once they have the hang of it, they’ll enjoy performing tricks for you.

Now, you can feel confident in having a well-trained dog that can impress everyone they meet.

We know how much our readers love playing with their dogs, and so we would like to extend an invitation for you to join our online dog training newsletter. That way, you can continue to improve your training skills and keep up with all the newest tips and tricks.

Begin your dog's training and show off your best friend's amazing abilities by subscribing today!

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By Tory Johnson

Tory Johnson is a veteran dog trainer, dog behaviorist, and canine nutritionist with 10+ years experience.

Tory has helped countless families have beautiful relationships with their canine companions.

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