Dog Training: Important Lessons For Puppies

Sit is one of the simplest, and I think the most important, lessons that your puppy should learn.

Most dogs are highly motivated by food and you will quickly find that they will become very focused on obtaining that treat. Your first step is to choose a treat that will appeal to your puppy. I have had the greatest success with freeze dried liver. It comes puck shaped and about 1/4� thick. Using your thumb, break off small pieces, about half the size of your fingernail. Keep the dog treats small becasue you this training exercise will require to repeat the process and you don’t want your dog to get full and disinterested or worse sick to their stomach.

Take the treat between your thumb and first finger and place it in front of your puppies nose. The great thing about using the liver is it’s strong smell. When you see that you have your puppies attention let the puppy have the treat for free. Take a step back and then offer a second treat. You will quickly discover that your puppy has figured out that when your hand goes forward with your two fingers together that a treat is avaiable.

With your puppy standing facing you, take the treat in your fingers straight to your puppies nose and slowly move the treat in a straight line over the puppies head towards the tail and say clearly SIT.
By passing the treat past the nose and then above the head you are attempting to make your puppy lift its head up and naturally fall back into the sit position.

When your dog falls naturally into the sit position give the dog the treat and make sure you follow up with positive reinofrcment to let the puppy know that you are pleased and they have completed the task. I am a big believer in positive reinforcement. If you show the dog that following your commands results in praise they will be more likely to continue following your commands. This will make the
dog training experience positive for both you and your puppy.

Repeat the task 4-6 times and then let your puppy play.
Remember you have a puppy, so training sessions should be short and sweet.
Treats should be used every time in the beginning stages of training. As the dog begins to make the connection between your command and what they should do, scale back the treats but continue the positive reinforcement.
Why is �SIT� so important. Your dog can’t pull you around at the end of a leash if your dog is sitting. Your dog can’t jump up on a person if they are sitting. Your dog can’t knock over a small child if it’s sitting.

Sit is a simple and very effective way to keep your dog safe and enjoyed by all who come in contact with you and your dog.
Some dog owners will use a clicker in place of a dog treat. If you would like more information on dog clickers please read our article on dog clickers and how and when to use them. Dog Clicker Training