Training Your Dog to Sit

By Dr. Ian Dunbar

'Sit' is one of the most useful commands, as well as one of the easiest to teach. A dog can never get in trouble--pulling, jumping on visitors, running into the street--when he's sitting.

• Find a quiet spot free of distractions.
• Get your dog's attention by saying his name and waggling a food treat in front of his nose.
• When he turns toward you say, "Sit", and slowly raise your hand ever so slightly up, keeping it as close to his nose as possible.
  
• As his head comes up to follow the treat, his bottom will automatically go down. As soon as his bottom hits the floor say, "Yes," and reward him with a bit of food.
  
• Repeat several times.
• Gradually make it more challenging by adding, one at a time, the three D's: duration, distance, and distraction. First, duration: each time your pooch sits on command, on the next try add one second to the delay between when his rump hits the floor and when you deliver the reward.
  Then, distance: stand one step further away from your dog each time you give the command. Finally, add in distractions, such as facing a different direction or bouncing a ball when you give the command.
  
• Go slowly when adding challenges, and if your dog ever goofs, go back a step until he's getting it right again.