Sit From Down
This exercise will teach your dog an alternative way of getting into a sitting position — directly from a “down,” without first going into a “stand.” Teaching him these different position changes will stimulate your dog’s mind and make him think, so this is worth teaching.
Your dog will already know the cue for “sit,” although he has learned the behavior from a standing position. As with the previous exercise, the correct use of the appropriate hand signal is the key to teaching your dog this movement successfully. Do not bring your hand too far forward, and take it slowly, because he might be confused into standing or even jumping up.
Step 1
Beginning with your dog in “down,” bring your hand holding a food treat to just above his nose.
Step 2
Slowly raise your hand up and backward over the dog’s head, saying the cue word as you do this.
Step 3
The dog rises onto his front legs as his head follows the food treat, bringing him into a “sit.” click-and-treat as soon as he has responded correctly.
Step 4
With patience and consistent practice, your dog will soon understand how you are using the cue word and hand signal for achieving “sit” in this way. Be sure to reward him with treats and warm praise.
Back to "Further Training"SIT FROM DOWN
Getting your dog to sit reliably, whether from a “stand” or a “down,” requires that you are very clear and unambiguous about helping him to understand that you are using the same cue word, but in a different way. Remember: the essence of all good and successful puppy training is constant repetition. It is vital that you keep on repeating the behaviors until your pup has the correct associations firmly established in his mind. Since it is easy for him to become confused when you are teaching him a variation of something he already knows, try to work together in a peaceful and quiet place where you can avoid interruptions—you don’t want your puppy to be distracted by a group of boisterous children, ringing telephones, or other dogs barking.