Trick 0: The sit
Welcome to our new series on teaching your dog basic tricks.
First in the series is ‘the sit’. The sit falls outside the ‘trick’ remit but nonetheless is vital as a base for teaching your dog the more advanced manoeuvres to follow.
If your dog sits like a pro, you’re already ready for trick one next month.
The sit
Teaching your dog to sit is one of the fundamental and valuable commands you can teach them. It’s the foundation for many other commands and can help improve their behaviour. Here are step-by-step instructions to teach your dog to sit:
Materials needed:
– Your dog (of course!)
– A quiet, distraction-free space
– Some small, tasty treats
– Patience and positive reinforcement
Step-by-step instructions:
- Prepare the space: Find a quiet place with minimal distractions, such as a living room or small garden. Make sure the space is safe and comfortable for you and your dog.
- Gather the treats: Have a small bag of bite-sized treats ready to start. These should be something your dog loves but must not be so large that they are i) rapidly satiating and ii) take too long to chew.
- Get your dog’s attention: Call your dog’s name and get their attention. You can use a cheerful tone to engage them.
- Hold the treat: Stand or sit in front of your dog. Hold the treat above their nose, just out of reach but still within their line of sight. Make sure your dog can see and smell the treat.
- Give the command: In a clear and firm voice, say “sit.” Use this command consistently each time you teach your dog this command.
- Guide them into position: Slowly move the treat over your dog’s head and towards their back, encouraging them to sit down. Gently push their rear end down if necessary. As soon as they are in the sitting position, immediately give them the treat and praise them enthusiastically.
- Repeat and reward: Repeat the process multiple times, rewarding your dog each time they successfully sit. Be sure to offer treats and praise immediately after they perform the action. Timing is very important here!
- Be patient: Some dogs may catch on quickly, while others may need more time to understand the command. Be patient and avoid raising your voice if they don’t get it straight away.
- Practice regularly: Consistency is key. Practice the ‘sit’ command for a few minutes each day. Reinforce the behaviour in various situations and locations, gradually reducing the use of treats as your dog becomes more skilled at sitting on command.
- Gradual improvement: As your dog becomes more proficient, use treats less frequently but continue praising them. Once achieving the sit is very easy for them, you can reward them with treats for maintaining the behaviour for longer periods.
Final thoughts
Remember that positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency are crucial when teaching your dog any command or trick. ‘Sit’ is a foundational concept that can serve as a building block for more advanced tricks and behaviour training. Enjoy the bonding experience with your furry friend as you teach them this essential exercise. Next month, we’ll be back with something a little more advanced, but in the meantime, happy sitting!
