Author: Matteo Cirami

So you want to train your puppy to sit on your request? Well, there are many different techniques out there to choose from. So where do you start? First, you can talk to other owners, read up on training practices or talk to a professional dog trainer. With that being said there are some basic principles that apply to all breeds and will help you with training your puppy to sit.

Tips to follow when teaching your puppy to sit:

- When training your pup make sure to have small easy to chew treats on hand to reward your pup with after they have followed out a command.

- Say "sit" and at the same time push down on their back side or behind but keep their head up and make them sit. Then tell him/her they are good and give them a treat. Repeat this process until they eventually sit by just saying the word.

- When you give a verbal command, make sure to only give it once. For example if you tell your pup to "sit" and they don't listen the first time, don't keep saying "sit" because you are just training your pup to ignore you and maybe they will think you have to say it 2 or 3 times before they have to listen.

- Say "sit" every time your pup sits by itself. They will begin to identify the word with the action.

- Always give an understandable one word command. Don't add something like "go sit down" for example. Down and sit are 2 different commands and they may get confused.

A few general training tips:

- Don't give you pup information overload. Teach one activity at a time, keeping training sessions short and simple. Try to have a goal in mind for training and when your pup reaches it; stop and let them rest.

- If you start a training session and your pup isn't into it, try again later.

- Do not yell or scold at your puppy. Doing this will teach your puppy to avoid you and to find hidden areas to go to the bathroom. Also if you didn't witness an accident you can't scold them cause your puppy won't understand what he/she did wrong.

- When training make sure you are in a quiet confined spot to avoid unnecessary distractions.

- Get on the same level as your pup by sitting down on the floor with them. You will appear less threatening to them.

Keep in mind that training your pup to sit on your request should be fun and include lots of treats and verbal praise. Make sure to end on a good note, that way your pup will look forward to there next training session. Before you know it your pup will be sitting in no time.

About the author: Like these training tips? Don't stop here! There are plenty more where these came from... Visit Puppy Potty Training Lessons for more tips including crate training, potty training, and general care for your puppy.