Teaching your dog to sit is one of the foundational commands of obedience training. It’s relatively easy to teach because it’s a natural movement for dogs. Follow this step-by-step guide to master the “sit” command.

What You Will Need

• Small, high-value treats (soft and smelly treats work best, like pieces of cooked chicken or cheese).
• A quiet room with few distractions.
• A little bit of patience and consistency.

Step-by-Step Training Guide

1. Hold a treat near your dog’s nose. Get your dog’s attention by holding a treat right in front of their nose. Make sure they know it’s there, but don’t let them eat it yet.
2. Move the treat backward. Slowly move your hand backward over your dog’s head, towards their tail. As their nose goes up to follow the treat, their bottom will naturally lower to the ground.
3. Say the command word. The exact moment your dog’s bottom hits the floor, say the word “Sit” in a clear, upbeat voice, and immediately give them the treat.
4. Release and repeat. Say a release word like “Okay” or “Free” so your dog knows they can move. Then, take a step away, reset, and repeat the process 3 to 5 times.

Pro Tips for Success

• Keep sessions short: Dogs have short attention spans. Aim for sessions that last no longer than 5 to 10 minutes a day.
• Phase out the lure: Once your dog reliably follows the hand motion into a sit, start using the hand signal without a treat in your hand, then reward them from a separate hand once they sit.
• Add the verbal command alone: Gradually say “Sit” before you make the hand motion, so your dog learns to respond to the spoken word alone.
• Never push their bottom down: Forcing a dog into a position can cause anxiety or physical discomfort. Let them figure out the movement on their own using the treat lure.

Consistency is key! Practice this exercise a couple of times a day, and soon your dog will be sitting politely on command.