How to Train a Dog to Sit (Treat and Click Method)

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Is your dog a handful to teach him/her to sit? Well if so? Take my advice and read these instructions carefully. You'll have a obedient dog in no time.
(If you don't have a clicker, just say "Yes!" in its place.)

Steps

1. Start in an area with few distractions. If you are in a safe, enclosed space, you do not need a leash. And make sure you have a good bond with your dog.
   
2. Grab a small but tasty dog treat or biscuit.
   
3. Show the dog the treat clearly. Hold it right in front of the dog's nose, and slowly move it to above his head (aim for the spot between the ears). The dog should follow the treat with his nose, and, if it is held low enough, most dogs will naturally sit down. If the the dog does not naturally sit with the lure, add GENTLE down pressure to the hips.
   
4. When the dog's bottom end hits the floor, say "Yes!" and/or click a clicker, hand over the treat, and say "good girl/boy!"
   
5. Keep practicing until the dog is anticipating the movement and sitting as you start to move the treat.
   
6. At this point, say "Sit" just before you go through the motion and say yes/click the clicker.
   
7. After several repetitions, leave the treat on the table but hold your hand in the same position and guide the dog through the motion in the same way. When the dog accomplishes it, say "Yes!" and click and give the treat and praise.
   
8. Gradually, over several more repetitions, transform your hand movement from "holding a treat" to a sit signal (whatever you choose it to be; sweeping the open hand, palm up, up and out from you, is common).
   
9. Also, you may hold a dog treat above the dog. Eventually, the dog will sit, you will click the clicker and repeat.
   
10. When you trust the dog, you may teach it with the actual command, "Sit!"
    

Tips

• If the dog is new to the trick, it might be better to do the training in a room with no distractions.
  
• Make sure the dog is sitting when giving him the treat.
  
• Go through these steps in small pieces, and take a break in between.
  
• Once your dog is reliably sitting for a food treat, ask for a "sit" before you throw a ball, open a door, or clip on a leash for your dog.
  
• Always praise the dog when he finally does the trick.
  

Find out more

Warnings

• Don't give the dog the treat until it does the trick.
  
• Don't let it snatch the treat off of you.
  
• Don't give it treats that are not for dogs.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Teach Your Dog Basic Commands
  
• How to Give Your Dog Basic Training
  
• How to Train Your Dog to Come when Called
  
• How to Teach Your Dog to Sit with a Clicker
  
• How to Train Your Dog With Silent Signals
  
• How to Train a Dog to Stay
  
• How to Teach a Dog to Crawl
  
• How to Travel Safely With Your Dog in the Car
  

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