Sit
Avoid cue words when you first teach your puppy something new, in this case the command for “sit.” Instead, click-and-treat as soon as he responds. Practice this several times a day, and try integrating it into your domestic routine. For example, get the puppy to sit before he has his breakfast.
When teaching your puppy to “sit,” place the treat close to his nose, without touching it. Then slowly raise your hand back over the puppy’s head, so that his nose rises up to follow the treat. As this happens, his rear will descend, and the puppy should then sit automatically. Initially, reward every correct response with a click-and-treat and warm praise, so that he knows he has done what you wanted.
Step 1
With the puppy in a standing position, bring the treat close to his nose so he can smell that you are holding something tasty.
Step 2
Lift your hand backward over the puppy’s head, so that his nose follows the treat and his rear begins to lower during the movement.
Step 3
The process has brought the puppy into a natural “sit” position.
Step 4
Once you have the correct response, use the clicker immediately so the puppy knows he has done the right thing.
Step 5
Give your puppy the treat and lots of praise for getting it right.
SIT
When teaching “sit,” be careful not to lift your hand too high over the puppy’s head, otherwise he will be encouraged to jump up or stand, and this will confuse him, too. Introduce the cue word only once you are satisfied that your puppy is reliably sitting in response to the lure, when you can begin to say it as he is going into the position. Phase out using treats in your hand as soon as possible. Use your hand as a signal, and treat from your pocket. Once the pup is sitting reliably, give rewards on a random basis: treat one “sit,” two “sits,” then three, and so on, so he never knows when a reward is coming.
Back to "Basic Training"