TEACHING A DOG TO SIT
At the end of training, the dog will sit for a hand signal or verbal cue if desired
This purpose of this plan is to teach a dog to sit from a standing position, on cue.
Step 1 of this plan uses a food lure (a treat held near the dog's mouth and moved upward and slightly back) to encourage the dog to sit. To lure new behaviors, your treats must be good enough to act as a “magnet” for the dog’s nose.
At each step, give the cue once as directed (food lure, hand signal, or verbal cue.) If dog gets it right (sits), feed him the treat. If not, wait several seconds to give him a chance to respond. If he doesn't respond after several seconds, or if he walks away or does something else, get the dog’s attention and try again.
Work in sets of 5 tries.
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If the dog gets it right 4 or 5 times out of 5, move to next step.
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If the dog gets it right 3 times out of 5, repeat the current step.
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If the dog gets it right 1 or 2 or times out of 5, drop to the previous step.
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Always reward the dog in a sit position. If he gets up when you’re reaching for treats after a distraction, get him back into a sit before giving him the treat.
Step 1A
Step 2A
Plan B: What if the dog won’t sit for a food lure on step 1A?
Plan C: What if the dog won’t sit without food in your hand in step 2A?
