Usually the first command that everyone teaches their dog is the "SIT." It’s nice to have a dog that sits when you want him to. The sit can be used in so many instances when dealing with your dog. Think about how many times you might want your dog to sit for you.

Sit while you put his collar and leash on.

Sit and wait at the door while you open it to go out.

Sit when the doorbell rings.

Sit at the door when someone comes to visit, without jumping on them.

Sit after you go through the door while you shut the door and lock it.

Sit and wait while you open the car door.

Sit quietly when riding in the car.

Sit and wait while you gather his leash before exiting the car.

Sit quietly while you place his food bowl on the floor and wait for you to tell him OK

Sit when someone comes up to pet him (always).

Sit when you’re out for a walk with him and you come to a curb, before crossing the street (good habit to get into).

Sit every time you come to a stop when out for a walk (nice habit to get into).

Sit quietly when you’re in the vets office.

Sit when riding in an elevator (for apartment and condo dwellers).

Sit next to you when another person with a dog is approaching you (safe way to avoid confrontation)

Sit when at the checkout in a pet store that you have taken him into.

WOW! The sit is a really great command that gives you so much control over your dogs behavior. If you’re going to teach it, you might as well teach it effectively so it will work when you need it to work.

Follow the progression of how the sit command should be taught. Take your time and go slowly. If you go too fast you will frustrate your dog and yourself. Each of the steps should take at least a week to thoroughly teach the concept you want your dog to understand. Don’t move ahead until you are sure your dog understands the step you are teaching.

The method used is with a food lure although there are other ways to teach it. The important thing is to be consistent in your training and don’t go too fast or the entire exercise might break down on you.

Go the the " next page" to learn how to teach the Sit Command. You can also use the page numbers below to move back and forth between the sit command pages.