Why do we teach a dog to sit?
It's kind of a weird trick, on its own, and isn't particularly amazing. It's more of a polite request to be more comfortable. Won't you have a seat? And yet it seems to be the most common thing people say to a dog besides its name.
But "sit" is secretly wonderful. It's a posture the dog takes naturally, and it places him in the perfect position: looking up. And what's he looking at? You! Well, you and that treat in your hand, maybe. Still, his attention is on you, and that's exactly where you want it.
There's my baby Josie, only two months old and sitting like a champ: ears forward, eyes on me, wondering what exciting thing we're going to do next.
And it's easy to teach this to your dog, especially when he's a pup. Show him the treat, say the word SIT, and slowly move the treat up and over his head. He'll follow it with his eyes, and as he shifts his weight back, his puppy butt will go into a sit. Treat immediately and praise praise praise. Take a step back yourself so he gets up to follow you, and say SIT again.
Run through this three to five times and when you think he's got it, ask him to SIT and then just wait for him to do it -- You don't move, no talking, keep still.
He may sit right down like an old pro. So smart!
He may wonder why you're not flying that treat over his head this time. Give him a moment to think about it. Let him run through some experiments: jumping, sniffing around, barking. He's trying to figure out what will get that treat from you. Say it once more SIT -- but only once. Then just wait.
If he doesn't seem to understand, go back to guiding him with the treat a few more times.
There will be a magic moment when you say SIT and he does, right away. Treat immediately, big praise and then go do something else. Get a toy and play, or go outside -- keep playing with your pup, but training is over.
Your dog has learned:
1. You say a word that means something.
2. If he does the thing, he gets a treat.
2. If he does the thing, he gets a treat.
3. Then more fun things!
But why stop just when he's getting it? Because you want to keep it interesting and fun. He's just discovered that of all the sounds you make, there's one that he understands! Just think of how magical that is.
Later on, you can try it again. And once he's got it, then this happens:
SIT is how the proper dog says "Please".
You want the treat? Sit.
You want the door opened? Sit.
You want me to throw the ball? Sit.
You want up on the couch? Sit.
You want your dinner? Sit.
Every single thing your dog wants from you is a reward he earns by saying please -- sitting. And he will be so excited to show off! You might start to notice times when your dog will ask for things on his own -- like dropping a toy at your feet and then sitting. He's politely inviting you to play!
But what on earth does sitting have to do with walking?
Oh, I'll get to that next time!
