This is the first in small series of articles aimed at showing you some basic dog training techniques. The first in the series deals with teaching your dog to ‘Sit;’ it is the first command that the majority of people teach their puppy. For that reason alone it is important to get it right.
[ad#left-336]Remember that when you are training your dog that he is a pack animal and it is for you to show him from the very beginning that you are his Alpha leader. In dog parlance the Alpha leader does everything first: he eats first, he chooses the most comfortable place to rest, he gets to do all the picking and choosing. Convince him you are the Alpha leader and life will be much easier, get it wrong and the puppy will think you are just another member of the pack and he doesn’t really have to pay that much attention to you. So let’s begin.
There are two basic steps to training your dog this first command and the first one is really quite simple, bond with your dog. Contrary to popular belief dogs will bond with their owner at any stage in their lives, all it takes is for the owner to show genuine affection and the dog will very soon appreciate that he is: loved, wanted and important to the owner. Teach a dog that and you have him for life.
So you’ve bonded. The second step is to find somewhere quiet and private.
Begin by calling your dog by its name. Hold up one of your dogs favourite treats. While the dog is standing hold the treat close to his nose and gently move it above his head. While moving the treat above the dogs head lightly place your other hand on the dog’s backside while gently pushing it down. Because the dog is looking up the ways it is pretty natural for him to slip into the sitting position. As you see the dog moving into the sitting position say ‘Sit’ in a firm, controlled voice.
Immediately the dog sits give it the treat and praise him enthusiastically telling him he is a ‘Good Dog,’ pet him and confirm he is a good dog. I like to do this exercise about half an hour before the dog is due its next meal, in that way I know he will really appreciate the treat.
What happens if the dog doesn’t sit properly? No worries just don’t give him the treat and have another try. When he gets the exercise right give him the treat. Very soon your dog will realize that there is a treat for him when you say ‘Sit’ and he sits properly.
Once you can get him to sit properly where it is private and quiet try the exercise where this is a little more distraction, perhaps in the front garden when traffic is passing up and down . Perhaps in the house with the television turned up, or with people coming in and out.
Over a period of time slowly decrease the reward that you give the dog until you have him sitting on your command alone.
By now your dog should know his first basic command.
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