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How To Train A Dog To Sit In 8 Easy Steps

Learning how to train a dog to sit is an important task for any new dog owner. Training can begin as soon as the puppy is in his new home. While it may not seem important to teach this to your puppy right off the bat, it is a cornerstone to developing a relationship with your dog. Here are some steps on how to train a dog to sit.

1. The first step is to get your puppy to sit on his own. Be observant and whenever you see him about to sit, say the word 'sit'; eventually he will come to associate the word with his action. This method is also useful in other areas of training.

2. Now comes the training part. Take his favorite treat and hold it in your hand. Make sure that it is small enough that the puppy can swallow it fast.

3. Being on the same level as the dog is less threatening to him, so get down on the floor with him, so that you are at his level. Make sure that you sit close to him -- that way you will be able to provide your dog with his reward more quickly.

4. Bring the treat over your puppy's head gradually. Remember that your dog has a keen sense of smell and his nose will naturally follow the path of the treat. As the treat is moving from the front of him to the back, he can do one of two things to keep following it. He will either back up while still on his feet or he'll sit down. Sitting down is easier and this is what most dogs will do.

5. As he sits, immediately say "sit" and reward him with a treat. This is key in all training. The reward has to be given at the same moment the dog responds correctly.

6. Now shower your dog with praise so he knows he did a good thing.

7. These steps can be repeated about three to five times. Don't do more than that because they you will take the fun out of it. Although, those same steps can be repeated at different intervals throughout the day.

8. Now try the same thing but standing up. See if you can get the dog to sit without the aid of a treat. When he does, heap on the praise. Be sure that you never punish him if he does not sit, but wait patiently for him to sit and then praise him.

Next, you should strengthen the word so that the dog sits regardless of any distractions. This is a never ending process and you should not cease training. Every new situation should be used to train him. Use new people, new dogs, and new surroundings as training opportunities.

See how easy learning how to train a dog to sit is? When you go through these traiing steps you are doing much more than just teaching your dog how to sit. All dogs, wheter adults or Puppies love to interact with their master so training is a great bonding experience. Plus he will get used to hearing his name and being obedient to your commands. This will enforce your title of leader and make the puppy feel secure which is what he really wants in the first place.