How to Train a Dog to Sit (Treat and Click Method)

Start in an area with few distractions., Grab a small but tasty dog treat or biscuit. , Show the dog the treat clearly., When the dog's bottom end hits the floor, say "Yes!", Keep practicing until the dog is anticipating the movement and sitting as...

20 Steps 1 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Start in an area with few distractions.

    If you are in a safe, enclosed space, you do not need a leash.

    Also, make sure you have a good bond with your dog.
  2. Step 2: Grab a small but tasty dog treat or biscuit.

    , Hold it right in front of the dog's nose, and slowly move it to above his head (aim for the spot between the ears).

    The dog should follow the treat with his nose, and, if it is held low enough, most dogs will naturally sit down.

    If the dog does not naturally sit with the lure, add gentle down pressure to the hips. , and/or click a clicker, hand over the treat, and say "good girl/boy!"

    ,, When the dog accomplishes it, say "Yes!" and click and give the treat and praise. ,, Eventually, the dog will sit, you will click the clicker and repeat. ,
  3. Step 3: Show the dog the treat clearly.

  4. Step 4: When the dog's bottom end hits the floor

  5. Step 5: say "Yes!"

  6. Step 6: Keep practicing until the dog is anticipating the movement and sitting as you start to move the treat.

  7. Step 7: At this point

  8. Step 8: say "Sit" just before you go through the motion and say yes/click the clicker.

  9. Step 9: After several repetitions

  10. Step 10: leave the treat on the table but hold your hand in the same position and guide the dog through the motion in the same way.

  11. Step 11: Gradually

  12. Step 12: over several more repetitions

  13. Step 13: transform your hand movement from "holding a treat" to a sit signal (whatever you choose it to be; sweeping the open hand

  14. Step 14: palm up

  15. Step 15: up and out from you

  16. Step 16: is common).

  17. Step 17: you may hold a dog treat above the dog.

  18. Step 18: When you trust the dog

  19. Step 19: you may teach it with the actual command

  20. Step 20: "Sit!"

Detailed Guide

If you are in a safe, enclosed space, you do not need a leash.

Also, make sure you have a good bond with your dog.

, Hold it right in front of the dog's nose, and slowly move it to above his head (aim for the spot between the ears).

The dog should follow the treat with his nose, and, if it is held low enough, most dogs will naturally sit down.

If the dog does not naturally sit with the lure, add gentle down pressure to the hips. , and/or click a clicker, hand over the treat, and say "good girl/boy!"

,, When the dog accomplishes it, say "Yes!" and click and give the treat and praise. ,, Eventually, the dog will sit, you will click the clicker and repeat. ,

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Gloria Martin

Enthusiastic about teaching practical skills techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.

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