How To Train Your Puppy To Sit

To start off on the right paw with your pup, she’ll need to know what you expect from her. This will make her feel secure in her ability to meet the goals laid out for her going forward.

The foundation of training should be based on positive reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement is the process of giving a dog a reward to encourage the behavior you want.

Avoid using punishment such as leash corrections or yelling.

If you give the dog a treat while saying “Good girl!” in a happy voice, she will learn that praise is a good thing and can be a reward.

Puppies can begin very simple training starting as soon as they come home, usually around 8 weeks old. Always keep training sessions brief — just 5 to 10 minutes —and always end on a positive note.

If your puppy is having trouble learning a new behavior, end the session by reviewing something she already knows and give her plenty of praise and a big reward for her success. 

How To Train Your Puppy To Sit

There are two different methods for showing your puppy what “sit” means.

The first method is called capturing. Stand in front of your puppy holding some of her dog food or treats. Wait for her to sit – say “yes” and give her a treat. Then step backwards or sideways to encourage her to stand and wait for her to sit. Give another treat as soon as they sit. After a few repetitions, you can begin saying “sit” right as she begins to sit down.

The next option is called luring. Get down in front of your puppy, holding a treat as a lure. Put the treat right in front of the pup’s nose, then slowly lift the food above her head. She will probably sit as she lifts her head to nibble at the treat. Allow her to eat the treat when her bottom touches the ground. Repeat …Once she understands the hand signal to sit, you can begin saying “sit” right before you give the hand signal.

Never physically put your puppy into the sitting position; this can be confusing or upsetting to some dogs.

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