Teaching your new puppy to sit is one of the first things a new proud owner will do with their new companion! This is an exciting time for you and your puppy! So remember to have fun!
Beginning to teach Sit to your new companion:
1. Make it FUN! The more fun you make it the faster the pup will learn.
2. Use treats! Treats are a great way to lure in the right direction and reward your pup. The treats need to be small and something your pup loves. There are so many choices out there it may be hard to choose from, so just get a small package of treats at first, ask an associate at a pet store for some help. They usually know what is most popular.
3. Work with a hungry dog! A hungry dog will want to work harder for that treat! Also, it will be more focused. So right before breakfast or dinner is a perfect time! Use a little bit of their kibble instead of treats for the reward.
4. Lure into place! Luring into place with a treat will help the puppy learn while having fun. If you push the dog in the position you are wanting you make have to do that the rest of your dog’s life. Luring will let the puppy figure it out on its own!
5. Start with Sit. Take the treat at the puppy’s nose; bring the treat up and behind its head, still very close to the nose. This way the puppy will look up and follow the treat. While following the treat the puppy will magically Sit! Immediately give the puppy the treat and say good sit! After a couple of times of doing this, begin saying Sit before you lure in the position.
6. Say it Once! Do not repeat yourself! This one is hard! Only say the command one time! This way your puppy will learn Sit and not Sit Sit Sit! You will want your puppy to listen to you the first time every time, this will happen if you continue to make it fun and only say the command one time!
7. Introduce a Hand Signal. Your puppy is more visual than it is auditory! This means they are more likely to Watch you than to Listen to you! So introduce that hand signal! You will find yourself using it more than you use the verbal command. (Commonly used: Flat Palm Facing Up)
Remember have fun! If you find yourself getting frustrated take a breath and walk away. Your puppy will feel the frustration and become frustrated as well.
Happy Training!
