Teaching a dog to sit is an important first step. It can be used to calm a dog when it is excited, stop it from jumping on people, and it leads to teaching the dog to stay. This is one of the easiest things to teach a dog, with the right training it will not take it long to learn the command.
Picking a Time to Work on Training
It is best to work with a dog for short intervals of time, a few times a day. These sessions should not last for more than ten minutes. It is best to give both the humans and the dog a break!
When training, you want the dog to be focused and low on energy. The best time for training is after a walk, when the dog is calm and slightly tired. It is also good to work on training after a dog has eaten. Again, this will be when the dog is most relaxed.
Your own state of mind is very important. In order to keep the dog calm and focused, the owner must also be relaxed. Dogs are excellent at reading the emotions and body language their owners present. Approach the dog in a calm manner, and do not let yourself become frustrated. As soon as you start to feel stressed, it is time to stop.
Training Your Dog to Sit
Find some special treats that your dog loves and does not get very often. Some people use hot dogs or bananas. Pick the treat your dog enjoys the most.
Firmly tell the dog to "sit." Only say the word once. If it does not sit right away, try moving the treat up and over its head. Many times this motion will force the dog into a seated position. If that does not work, apply some pressure to its back, towards the tail.
When the dog does sit, give it the treat right away. You must show it that it did the right thing. Offer lots of praise and affection.
Repeat this a few more times. Try to end the session successfully. If you can see your dog getting distracted, it is okay to stop. Never use punishment. Hitting or striking a dog is not only cruel, but ineffective for training.
Finding the Right Trainer
Teaching a dog to sit is a basic command. If a dog simply cannot learn it, or if there are other commands you want it to learn, consulting a trainer is an excellent idea. A trainer can teach you how to effectively communicate with your dog.
Different trainers have different methods of training. Some use a device called a clicker, others use vocal commands, and some use dog psychology. Ask for references and inquire about the preferred method of the trainer. It may also be possible to observe an obedience class.
Dogs always want to please their owners. It just takes them some time to learn what it is that you want them to do. If you stay patient and consistent, your dog will learn to sit quickly!
J. Lee Phelan - Hello Readers! My name is J Lee and I currently reside in New York. I'm a freelance writer and artist, which is exactly what I wanted ...
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