How to teach your dog to sit
Sit is the "please" of the dog world: a calm default that replaces jumping, pulling and snatching.
By Pawfessor Editorial TeamUpdated
- LevelMedium
- Practice timeAbout 20 min in total, over short sessions
- Reps per session8–10
- You needTreats
Sit is usually the first thing people teach, and for good reason: a dog who sits can’t jump, grab or bolt. Use it as your dog’s way of saying please, before meals, the leash and going out of the door.
Before you start
- A quiet room with no distractions
- Small, soft treats they love (or their own food)
Step by step
- Hold a treat at their nose
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to teach a dog to sit?
Many dogs learn the basic sit in a few short sessions. Making it reliable in new places takes a few weeks of practice.
Should I push my dog's bottom down?
No. Pushing teaches nothing and can hurt. Lure the sit with a treat, or wait for your dog to sit and reward it.
My dog sits slowly. How do I speed it up?
Reward the fastest sits with your best treats, and mark the moment the bottom touches the floor.
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