HOW TO TEACH YOUR DOG TO “SIT”

Sit means put your tail on the floor until you’re released or given something else to do.

Use a food lure directly in front of your dog’s nose and slowly move upwards over his head. If he sits, say good and give him the food.

Don’t add the command until the behavior is consistent (until the dog sits every time you hold up the food) he doesn’t know what the word means anyway.

When the behavior is consistent, add the word AS THE DOG IS PERFORMING THE BEHAVIOR so he can link the two in his mind. This helps keep you from having to repeat commands. Then add the command before the behavior. Don’t  forget the positive word marker every time! See: “The Stuff You Gotta Know”

When you add the command before the behavior you can also add the release words “lets go“ to indicate that the dog can get up. See “Release Words” Keep sits very short at first so the dog learns to listen for the release and then gradually add time. If he gets up DO NOT REPEAT THE COMMAND. Use the negative word marker, lure with food or reposition and then say “good“.

HOW TO TEACH YOUR DOG TO “DOWN”

Down means lay in place until I release you or give you something else to do. The place can be the floor, or a specific blanket, or a dog bed or in a spot at your feet.

Down is used to keep the dog quiet and under control in a relaxed position while you do other things.

To teach your dog the down command, start with the dog in the sit position. Use a food lure directly in front of the dog’s nose, no further than ½ inch away, and slowly move the treat down between the dog’s front paws. Do not move your hand forward away from the dog. Remember to go straight down SLOWLY between his front paws. You won’t need to add the command down until the dog is consistently and quickly following the treat into the down position every time. You can let the dog lick and nibble at the treat every time his head follows it down a little at first until he figures out that he has to keep his tail down and then put his head down at the same time. As soon as his chest is on the surface, say good and give him the treat.

If he gets up at the point, its o.k. Don’t  scold or correct him, just start the exercise again.

If he does not get up, release him (see release words) and give him another reward.

When the dog downs consistently and quickly, go ahead and add the word just as his chest hits the surface so he can associate the word with the action. Palm the treat in your hand for just a second, give the release word, and reward. Do not say “Stay”. Stay is used to indicate that you’re going to add distance or duration and is confusing to the dog and unnecessary.

If he gets up before you release him, simply return him to position until he learns he has to wait for the release word before he can get up.

Hope you are able to teach sit commands to your loving Dog, If not, you can certainly contact us for Dog Training in Las Vegas we are one of reputed dog trainers and dob boarding owners in Nevada.