How to teach a dog to sit

For first-time dog owners who want a calm sit cue that works at the door and on walks.

When you raise a treat over your dog's nose the nose tips up and the hips drop to the floor. That drop is the sit.

Gather a handful of pea-sized soft treats, clear a quiet corner, and set aside five minutes.

Step 01
STAND two feet from your dog with treats in your pocket and one closed in your hand.
Face the dog square on. The dog looks toward your hand. If it wanders, wait quietly until it returns and looks at you again.
Step 02
RAISE the treat from nose level straight up until it sits just over the head.
The nose tips up to follow and the hips start to drop. If front paws leave the floor, lower the treat two inches and raise slower.
Step 03
HOLD the treat steady over the head for a count of two after the hips touch the floor.
The dog stays seated and watches the treat. If hips stay up, slide the treat a little farther back over the head and try once more.

The most common mistake

Shoving the dog's hips down with your hand is the most common mistake. Keep your hands off the body and let the rising treat drop the hips by itself.

Run the five reps just before mealtime so the treats matter more and the dog stays eager.

sit

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Step 04

SAY sit in a calm voice the instant hips touch the floor then open your hand.

Speak the exact word sit. The treat reaches the dog's mouth within one second. Palm faces the ceiling so the dog takes it easily.

Step 05

PRACTICE the raise-hold-say chain five times then end the session.

Stop while the dog still wants more. If focus fades after three reps, switch to a tastier treat and cut the next round to three reps only.