How to Teach Your Dog “Sit”

Teaching your new puppy to sit should be the first command you teach them upon bringing them home. “Sit” is one of the most basic commands that all dogs should know. It’s the basis for many other tricks such as “stay” and “shake”. Teaching your dog “sit” is quite easy, and most dogs catch on easily even at a young age. These 5 simple steps will show you how to teach your dog “sit” with ease.

1. Hold A Treat to Their Nose

The first step in how to teach your dog to sit is to have them in front of you in a standing position. At this point you’ll want to take a training treat and hold it to their nose to catch their interest.

2. Lift the Treat Over Their Head

Once your dog is interested in the treat, pull it up and over their head, while keeping it in your dogs line of vision. As they look up to follow the treat, their rear end should naturally drop to the ground.

3. Add the Verbal Cue

As soon as their bottom hits the ground say the verbal cue, “sit” while keeping the treat above their head.

4. Praise

While your dog is sitting, give them the treat and some verbal praise. Ensure your dog is still in a sitting position when you reward them. If your dog stands back up, make them sit again before giving the treat. This is a key step in how to teach your dog “sit”.

5. Use Just the Signal

Once your dog is consistently sitting using the treat method, take away the treat. Hold your hand in the same position you were using to hold the treat. At this point your dog should respond to just the hand signal and verbal cue “sit” on its own. 

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