Basic Dog Commands
Teach Your Dog to Sit

The sit command is probably one of the most basic dog commands and certainly one of the most important. It is also one of the easiest to teach. Incorporate this command often throughout the day so it becomes second nature to your dog.

When you teach dog to sit, it helps build his confidence, shows him you're the leader, and helps to ensure that he's well behaved in any social situation he encounters.

Teach Dog to Sit:

1. Hold a treat under your dog’s nose

2. Slowly move the treat over his head between his ears. Almost all dogs will automatically sit back. (Don’t move the treat too high or he’ll want to stand on his hind legs to reach it)

3. Say “Good Sit” and give him a treat while he’s sitting

4. Do this several times throughout the day for a few minutes at a time until your dog as mastered this skill.

5. BE PATIENT AND CONSISTENT WITH YOUR TRAINING - NEVER PUNISH YOUR DOG IF HE DOESN'T CATCH ON RIGHT AWAY

Teach Sit-Stay Command:

After your puppy understands the sit command you can move on to a sit-stay command. After you give the sit command, make sure his head is up and he’s looking right at you.

1. While he’s sitting, show him the palm of your hand and take a couple of steps back and say “Good sit-stay” and reward him IMMEDIATELY with a treat while he’s still sitting. Start over if he gets up.

2. Gradually increase the duration of the stay and continue moving back. Practice over and over again and keep rewarding good behavior.

3. Teach your puppy a release word such as “finished” or “Okay” so he knows the exercise is over and he can do whatever he wants. (Make sure you don’t reward him when he’s released from the sit-stay or he’ll get confused on what he’s being rewarded for)

4. BE PATIENT AND CONSISTENT WITH THESE BASIC DOG COMMANDS

Learn More from these Dog Behavior Correction and Training Links:

Come Command

Loose Leash Training

Down Command

Beyond Basic Dog Training

Dog Training Reviews

Return from Basic Dog Commands to Small Dog Training

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