My Experience With Basic Obedience Commands: Sit

Here's my story about basic obedience commands: sit - I'm sharing this because I wish someone had told me earlier.

“Sit” is one of the simplest commands, but it’s incredibly useful — after all, your dog can’t jump all over a guest, dash into traffic, or do any number of things you don’t want them to do when they’re sitting..

I wish I had known this sooner.

this method uses a food treat or piece of kibble both to lure your dog into the sitting position and to reward them for responding to the command.

Your dog jumps up: You’re holding the food lure too high. Try again with the food just an inch above your dog’s head.

I learned this the hard way, but at least Lucy is okay now.

your dog backs up: you may be moving the treat too far back over your dog’s head.

Your dog doesn’t sit up: Your pup may not realize the treat is there. Try waggling the treat or clapping your hands to get their attention.

Your dog rolls over onto their back.

If you take one step back and pat the ground in front of your dog’s nose, they’ll probably roll back onto their stomach.

Whenever you’re around your dog and see them start to sit, tell them “sit.” As soon as their rear end hits the floor, praise them and reward them with an ear scratch, tummy rub, or a treat if you have one on hand.

They’ll soon begin to associate the word “sit” with the action..

Once your dog has the hang of the “sit” command, you can slowly make it more challenging. Ask your dog to sit when:

I learned this the hard way, but at least Lucy is okay now.

add a new challenge only if your dog is responding reliably.

I'm sharing this because I wish someone had told me earlier. Hopefully this helps someone else avoid the same mistakes I made with Lucy.