Teaching how to train a dog to sit is actually pretty easy, as many dogs tend to naturally sit very naturally. It’s a good way to help your dog calm down a bit in one area and concentrate solely on you. The training will also assist in laying the foundation for “stay,” “come,” and all the other more advanced commands. Training your dog will help it recognize you as the head of the pack and will minimize the chances of it making some kind of inappropriate or disruptive mistake.
When you begin to dog training, you’ll want to establish an environment that’s fairly safe. One good method of teaching how to train a dog to sit is to use positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement will help train your dog while reinforcing good behavior. Your dog will learn to respond to you and to the positive reinforcement you provide.
For example, if I were to say “Sit.” My dog would immediately sit and repeat after me. The beauty of using rewards in this manner is that it keeps your dog interested in what you’re saying. He may not be aware that you are saying “Sit” when he hears you say it, but he will pick up on the sound of your voice and then look at you expectantly. I love to give these treats after saying “Sit.”
What happens if you don’t use rewards? Well, if you are consistent and pushy, your dog may be confused. He may think you are trying to force him to obey. He may get frustrated and try to fight you. This will only serve to reinforce the fact that he doesn’t want to follow you, and that you are in control.
There are two ways to train a dog to repeat. The first method involves the verbal cue “Relieve yourself.” You simply repeat this command until your dog sits down. You can vary the command and try different words for your dog to follow. If your dog responds correctly each time, he will want to keep practicing. You should never praise or reward your dog until he has been repeating the behavior consistently.
The second method involves treats. Again, use your verbal cue “Relieve yourself” while holding a treat in front of your dog. Your dog will follow your command and sit down. The reward is the treat and praise.
To teach your dog how to release cue, stand in front of a full length mirror. Take your dog’s attention. Look directly into his eyes without looking around. As soon as you can see his eyes, give him the release cue and say, “Relieve yourself.”
Stand with your hands by your side, not in front of your legs, then give your dog the release command. When he obeys, release the leash from his neck. Your dog will soon follow your actions and sit down. This method strengthens recall, holds the attention of the dog, and teaches him the sit-stay-fetch technique.
The final method involves clicker training. Clicker training treats work in a similar way to physical discipline. When you press a clicker (like the one on your clicking machine) to your dog’s nose, he will learn to respond to the sound of the clicking. After each click, give him a treat. He will continue to click respond until you stop giving him the treat. This teaches him that a click means rest, and that any time he responds to the click, he gets rewarded with a treat.
Dogs are very lazy creatures. They want nothing more than to be able to play while lying on the floor or with their belly hanging. Therefore, you must work to get your dog’s full attention. Start by sitting down so that your dog’s full attention is focused on you. You can then move him towards the treats on your side.
Once your dogs are sitting still, take them outside to a designated area. Distract your dogs with toys and games while you hold their attention. Once you dogs are sitting still, ignore their distractions for a few minutes and then begin training sessions. The longer you can keep your dog’s attention the better. Distract them with their toys during training sessions and then move on to physical control after.
The idea is to train them to heel consistently and slowly increase their heel reach as they become proficient. It is important to train slowly and to reward your dog when they are doing what you expect of them. Be sure to keep a firm hand on their lead at all times. If they start to lose focus or get off balance, gently bring their heel to the right position on the leash.
Recent Comments