1. Make Training a Treat
To make the experience pleasant for both of you, choose a dog who’s friendly and not overly frightened, and take her out of the kennel area and into a place with fewer distractions. Start by holding a treat in front of the dog’s nose, and slowly move it back up between her ears, keeping the treat at about nose height. At first, the dog may be confused, walking backward or jumping up for the treat. But with just a little bit of time and patience on your part, she’ll get the idea. Once she starts to catch on, reward her with a treat but only while her rump is grounded. When she’s reached a full sitting position, release her from this stance by saying “okay” and praising her profusely.

2. Quiz Your Puppy Pupil
Now that your eager student knows what you want her to do, it’s time to test the extent of her knowledge. Hold a jackpot of treats, stand still with your hands at your waist, and just wait for her to figure out that you want her to sit. When she does so, reward her again with a treat and plenty of praise. Once she sits for you, allow other staff members or volunteers to try the method. If your poochy pupil doesn’t “sit” right away for the others, they can simply go back to Step 1. The goal is to teach the dog to sit for anyone who is standing in front of her.

3. Distraction Action
Once your friend has mastered steps 1 and 2, it’s time to introduce some more complicated scenery. While the dog is sitting, allow her to nibble on a treat from your hand as you “march” in place in front of her. Move only your feet and knees, keeping your upper body straight and your hands at your side. If the dog breaks out of the “sit” position, stop moving and stop feeding. Ignore all inappropriate behavior such as jumping, mouthing, and clawing. If she starts any of these activities, simply fold your arms across your chest and look away. Soon enough your friend will get the picture and plop her bottom back on the floor.

How To Teach a Shelter Dog to Sit

How to Teach a Dog to Sit

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