Dog Training – Sit and Release

Dog training begins with the basic commands. Sit and release are
very important and should be taught to every dog. These basic
commands will provide the foundation for your dog’s obedience
training. They are essential for your dog to learn in order for
him to be a good citizen.

Hold a treat or toy in front of your dog’s nose, just out of his
reach. If your treat is food, make sure it is very small
pea-sized pieces of food. Slowly move the treat above and behind
your dog’s head, luring him into a sit position. Say your dog’s
name, then give the command, “Sit.” At the exact second your dog
sits, praise him by saying the word “good.”

To let your dog up from sitting, give him a release command such
as “free” or “break.” Do not use the word OK as your release
command as this is used too commonly during normal speech.

Your dog will most likely not sit the first try, but will make
movement toward the sitting position. Praise him for any
movement that gets him toward the sitting position. Be careful
not to hold the treat or toy too high or your dog will lift his
feet off the ground.

Repeat these steps throughout your training session, which
should last between five and ten minutes. Your dog will not only
begin to associate the verbal “sit” command with sitting, but
will start associating your hand signal too.

As your dog learns, start giving the sit voice and hand commands
before you use the treat. Once your dog begins to sit on
command, stop using the treat and simply reinforce with praise
when your dog sits. Gradually increase the time from initiating
the sit and giving your dog the release command.

Within a week, your dog should sit when you tell him to. You and
your dog will build on what you learn this week with more
complex commands