Basic training
The Sit
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 The Sit
One of the most useful things you can teach a dog is the instant sit. You can use it in all kinds of situations but the one where it is really essential is when your dog is about to run into danger. Just being able to stop your dog with a "Sit" is a very valuable lesson indeed. To start with you are going to need some tasty treats and a bit of patience. The object of the training is to get your dog understand that when you say "Sit" he must put his bottom on the floor. Yes, I know it sounds obvious but I do hear so many people saying "Sit....sit...sit...sit." How many times are they going to say it before the dog sits?

Now, the lazy way to teach the sit is to keep an eye on your dog from time to time and when he or she is about to sit you say "SiT." As soon as the bottom touches the floor you say "Gooood dog" in a really pleased tone of voice and offer a titbit. Believe it or not this method does actually work. It might take a little while for the penny to drop depending on the dog, but sooner or later the dog will make the association between the "SiT" and the action of sitting. Dogs being dogs they are in it for themselves and if they get something to eat for doing what comes naturally they will repeat it again and again.  (The capital "T" isn't a typing error.  You need to pronounce the "T" in "SiT".)

A quicker way to teach the sit is to use more tasty titbits but this time you are going to hold a titbit in your hand and move your hand over the dog's head. He or she will have to look up to see the titbit. Move your hand just a little further back and say "SiT" and your dog should sit. They do this simply to get a better view of the titbit. It's actually easier to sit and look up at it than to walk backwards. When you say "SiT make sure that you pronounce the "T". Don't shout at the dog but make it sound exciting. The trick with this and with all training is that in the split second that the dog does what you want you need to dive in with the praise and reward.
 

I've got Jamie's attention
 

He's looking up and going nicely into the sit.

When his bottom's on the ground.....

He gets praise and a titbit

Whatever you do don't say "Sit...sit" otherwise your dog will only learn "Sit..sit." This is mistake that nearly everyone makes and you can end up with a sloppy sort of obedience where the dog has to hear every instruction half a dozen times. You are obviously much smarter than this and you're working towards an instant sit so you are only going to say it once and your dog will sit. Another thing to avoid is pushing the dog into position. You want the dog to associate "SiT" with "bum on floor" and with nothing else. If you push the dog into position it may associate it with "SiT" and expect you to do it every time.

Once you are confident that your dog understands the sit you can start to get a super fast and instant sit. This is great fun. I used to make it competitive at training classes to see who's dog could sit the fastest. It has to be made into a game. First of all you need to run along with your dog on or off the lead. All at once you stop and say "SiT" in an excited tone of voice. Be really excited and as soon as the dog responds give a titbit. It doesn't take long before the dog understands that a faster sit is required. Your voice takes on a different tone and the game is to get into the sit as soon as possible.

The learning game really does become fun for the dog and now that you've taught the instant sit you'll realise just how useful it is for both of you.

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