Dog Training Basics - How to Teach Your Puppy to Sit

When you bring home a new puppy, one of the first things you should do is teach your new pet some basic dog training commands. You don't have to start formal obedience training right away, but you and your puppy will have a much easier time getting used to each other when you lay some ground rules for communication early in your relationship.

Importance of the "Sit" Command

One of the first commands most new pet owners want to teach their puppies is "sit". This is a particularly important command, especially if your puppy has a natural tendency to jump on people. Telling your puppy to sit as soon as he or she starts to exhibit signs of jumping can be an effective way of teaching your pet that such behavior is unacceptable.

When your dog learns to respond to the "sit" command, he or she will be conditioned to stop jumping and will sit down as soon as you utter the command. This is much more effective than pushing him or her down every time he jumps, because such a reaction actually encourages continued jumping behavior. After all, the reason your puppy is jumping is to get attention. When you push your pet away, your actions actually fulfill the puppy's need for your attention. When he or she wants more attention, the jumping will start again.

Teaching Your Puppy to Sit

To teach your puppy to sit, take him or her to a quiet area that is free from distractions. Make sure you take some training treats with you, such as small dog biscuits or squares of cheese. Place your dog in the desired position and say "sit". Keep your hand on your puppy's rump so the dog will remain seated, and give him or her a treat. Praise your dog lavishly for good behavior.

As soon as you move your hand, your puppy will likely get up and look at you for another treat. Say "sit" one time and wait for your dog to seat him or herself. You may have to place your puppy in position a few times before the desired action starts to sink in. Each time, give the puppy a treat and praise. Do not say "sit" more than once before putting your pet in the proper position. Otherwise, your puppy may learn to be seated on the third command.

Teaching your dog to sit doesn't have to be difficult or painful for either of you. With time, patience, and practice, your dog training efforts will pay off. Your puppy will learn to be seated as soon as you say "sit". You can teach your pet additional basic commands, such as stay, come, roll over, and lie down, using this same positive reinforcement technique.

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