Teaching Rex to Sit

So it’s time to teach Rex to sit. The best way to go about doing this is to have treats on hand. Make sure your dog has a well fitted collar and leash. Keep sessions to a minimum, so as to not over-exert your dog. Find a comfortable area to train. Be happy and upbeat. Remember each dog is different, so keep that in consideration as to how long this exercise may take and have plenty of patience. Ok, stand next to Rex and grab his leash connected to his collar and gently pull back as you push Rex’s rump down telling him to sit. Rex may try to turn and look at you thinking, get your hands off my hiney! Remember, be gentle and kind. Tell Rex to “sit.” When Rex sits, give him a treat, say good boy, and give plenty of praise. If Rex does not sit, don’t get upset, but also don’t praise him. Repeat the motion of pulling back the collar with the leash and gently pushing his rump down repeating the word “sit.” We want Rex to connect the word “sit” to what he needs to do. You can also dangle a treat over Rex’s nose while gently coaxing his rump down. Some dogs catch on to this method. When Rex begins to sit without the coaxing of the collar, gently touch his rear and say “sit”. Praise him. Repeat this method until Rex sits without needing to be touched. Once Rex is sitting without the coaxing of any kind, then stand in front of Rex. Now this is going to get tricky as you are in another position. Have the leash in hand. Tell Rex to sit. If he doesn’t, stay in-front of him but lift up on the leash and give it a quick jerk and say sit. Remember be kind and give lots of praise when he does what you say and give treats. He should sit; if he does not sit while you are in front of him, then lean over him and touch his rear and pull back on the collar. Do these steps until he knows to sit while you are in front of him.

Once he learns to sit while you are in front of him, then make sure you only tell him ONE time to sit while showing him an upward hand motion to sit when he sits. Give him lots of praise. Keep this up until he sits on one command or motion. You can make the choice if you want to only use a command or motion. Good luck, be kind, and most of all keep it fun!