Training Your Dog To Sit

A poorly trained dog is a nuisance and can even be a danger to himself and others. A properly trained dog, on the other had, is a wonderful and pleasant companion. In addition to helping you bond, it can even protect your pet from being hurt if he listens and will come when called.

When training always remember that dogs respond best to positive reinforcement ? yelling at your dog and hitting him will not accomplish the task, instead use rewards such as treats and your approval ? this will make the task much more pleasant for both of you!

There is a common "process" to training, no matter what you want the dog to do. They key is to get the dog to perform the action and at that exact moment give the command for the action, then praise the dog and reward him with a treat. After a while, he will catch on and associate the action with the command.

Here's some steps you can use to train your dog with the most basic command ? Sit.

1. The first thing you need to do is to get your puppy or dog to associate the act of sitting with the command. To do this, simply hang around with your dog and when he sits give the "sit" command.

2. Getting down to your dogs level will allow you to present his reward (treats) quicker so grab a handful of bite sized treats and get down on the floor.

3. Bring the treat up over the dogs head. He will smell the food and follow it with his nose. This action will cause him to sit (or backup, but obviously we are hoping for the sitting action).

4. The key to the training is to present the reward at the exact moment the dog sits, but you must also give the command at that moment as well so that he associates command with action. So as the dog sits, say "sit" and then immediately give him the treat.

5. Give the dog praise ? show joy in your voice and he will really respond.

6. Repeat three to five times at each session but no more than that. Training should be fun and not a boring chore so don't overdo it in one sitting. You may have several sessions throughout the day.

When you spend the time to train your dog, you get much more than just a dog that does some tricks. He loves to do things with you. He learns to listen when you say his name. He gets used to being with you and doing things on your initiative. Through good training your position as leader is strengthened. You should plan to spend a couple of minutes every day on practicing his "tricks". This type of repetitive reinforcement will help him to remember and also create the bond between you.

Lee Dobbins is a pet owner and writer for train the dog.com where you can learn more about training your dog and which breeds are easier to train.

---

Ten Most Popular Goldfish

You can't imagine the kind of varieties of Goldfish there... Read More

Wooden Bird Cages

Gone are the days of boring bird cages. Today's bird... Read More

*Understanding* - The First Of The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With Your Horse

Yesterday we talked a little about the 6 Keys for... Read More

Boston Terrier - The Costs Of Owning A Boston Terrier

Having a dog is a little like having a baby.... Read More

Goldfish Feeding Tips

What's the best food for your Goldfish?Goldfish need food that... Read More

Crate Training Dogs: The Right Way and the Wrong Way - Part One

Part1: There is Actually a "Wrong" Way to Crate TrainCrate... Read More

Ten Tips for Caring for Your Betta Fish

Betta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish are one of... Read More

Online: The Fastest, Cheapest, Easiest Way to Buy and Sell a Horse

Selling a HorseThe best new tool for people selling horses... Read More

Universal Principles For Successful Dog Training

Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More

Distemper in Dogs - Home Detection Tips

Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too LateCanine distemper... Read More

Comparison of the Cost and Effectiveness of Holistic Horse Care versus Conventional Care

After years of practicing both conventional and holistic medicine for... Read More

7 Simple Ways To Safe Guard Your Dog This Summer!

If you have a hard time in summer imagine how... Read More

How To Load A Horse Into A Trailer - Easy As Pie!

If there is an art to getting horses to load... Read More

Things You Should Never Feed Your Dog

Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to... Read More

Petting a Dog is Good For Both of You

Studies have shown that regularly petting a dog brings a... Read More

Female Dog Care

As there are certain health issues that affect only the... Read More

Our Pets

Having a pet is an experiance that I think everyone... Read More

Your Dogs Health Is At Risk!

Dogs should be living to age 20 or more. That's... Read More

West Highland White Terrier ? How To Capture the Best Pictures of Your Westies

For most West Highland White Terrier owners, the dog is... Read More

Introducing a Cat to Your Children

Are cats and children a good mix?So, you had a... Read More

A Guide to Antique Bird Cages

It has been said that everything old is new again.... Read More

Doggie Day Care is an Awesome Alternative

Doggie day care is becoming more and more prevalent in... Read More

Lemon Tetras

Glassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear to... Read More

The Background and Use of Clicker Training For Dogs

Presently, and throughout the 1990s a phenomena swept through the... Read More

How Cats With Feline Diabetes Can Lead A Happy Life

"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's... Read More

The Noble Skye Terrier

With ancestors who were a breed of tenacious terriers, most... Read More

Pet Adoption: The Right Choice

Pet adoption is a fabulous option if you're seeking a... Read More

How To Stop Your Cat Spraying

The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail... Read More

What Dog Owners Need To Know About Dog Crate Training

Why should you use the dog crate training method?Is the... Read More

German Sheperds

People love big, protective and loving dogs and that's why... Read More

Choosing the Right Size for Your Dog

Dog fashions are all the rage and have become quite... Read More

My Tips to Take Care of a New Dog

So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More

West Highland White Terrier - Westie Grooming

Westie Grooming ? When your west highland white terrier becomes... Read More