Training Tips:

1. Hold a treat about 1” from the dog’s nose. When the dog shows an interest in taking it, move your hand (and the treat) slowly upwards and back as if you were about to put the treat on the top of their head.
2. The dog’s reaction will be to look up and as you move the treat backwards they will naturally go into a sit position.
3. As soon as the dog’s bottom touches the floor, give the treat instantly. Get the dog to move and repeat, always giving the treat as prompltly as possible. Toss the treat to one side so as they have to move to get it, it also makes the exercise more fun.
4. After a few repeats the dog will learn what the game is all about and will go into a sit without you having to lure the reward over the top of their head.
5. At this point, just pretend and mime. Hold your hand as if you had the treat in it. The dog will now be recognising the hand movement as part of the exercise. Give a treat with the other hand and toss to the side.
6. By now the dog will be recognising your hand movement as the cue for the SIT. Now at the moment you see the dog’s rear begin to drop give the command SIT. When they sit, praise and treat as before.
7. Repeat a few times and the dog will begin to relate the word SIT with what they are doing. Do not continue with this for more than a few minutes at a time.

Vary the treats so the dog is kept guessing as to what the reward will be.