Besides being useful for obvious reasons, training your dog to sit on command has several subtle benefits. It reinforces your dog's respect for you as the pack leader and is handy to initiate a “time out,” to regain focus when your dog is excited.
Here are two methods of teaching the “sit” command:
Step one
Hold a reward in your hands in front of the dog's face where he can see it.
Now move the reward over the dog's head so as to keep it in sight and he is forced to sit.
In the same moment that he is sitting give the “sit” command.
When he is sitting give him the reward.
Step two
This more structured approach will also help you teach the “sit”command.
Put your training collar and lead on the dog.
Stand on the right side of your dog and be sure you are both facing forward.
While keeping the lead snug give the “sit” command and push down on the dogs rump. It may help to hold the collar instead of the lead to keep the dog in position.
While holding eye contact with the dog repeat the procedure several times until he is sitting on command and holding the position for at least ten seconds.
When you've done this several times use the command “OK” or your chosen word to let him know the training session is in a break. Praise him lavishly.
Repeat this training for fifteen minutes or so three to five days a week. Don't allow the dog to get bored and frustrated. It's well worth the time invested to teach your dog the “sit” command as you'll see when your training progresses to the next stage.
benefits. It reinforces your dog's respect for you as the pack leader and is handy to initiate a “time out,” to regain focus when your dog is excited.
