trick - sit

Here's another first of what I hope will be a regular feature - how to teach a new trick.  However, I'm starting small with the basics - it's not a trick, as such, but the most basic thing to teach your dog is to sit on command.  I'll get on to the complicated stuff in due course.  Like, in the case of young Lapphunds, walking nicely on a lead, for example.  Or, say, for another example, the recall.

But, for now the sit.

Aim:         Get your dog's bum on the floor and his nose pointing toward your face, giving you attention.

Use For:  Everything!  Sitting is the most basic of doggie manners.  Use it when he is greeting someone, when he is at the vet, when he is at the kerb waiting to cross the road.  When you need some control.  Sit, sit, sit.  SIT.

Start with a pocketful of tiny treats that your dog loves.  Treats should be about the size of the tip of your little finger.  Small.  And easy to eat.

1.  Hold a treat next to your dog's nose (don't let him grab it, obviously...)

2.  Slowly move the treat back towards the top of the dog's head, between the ears.
     Don't lift your hand too high - keep it low and near the dog's nose.  The aim is to get his nose to
     follow the treat - i.e. pointing up.

3.  As your dog's nose points up, his back legs will bend and his bottom will head towards the floor.
     As soon as his bottom touches the floor, say the word "Sit".  Immediately give the treat and
     praise him enthusiastically with the words "good sit" and/or "good dog".

Perhaps I'm too ambitious, but I've made a little film to illustrate the method.  Making a film fit for public consumption?  Difficult.  Specialist, even.  Filming animals?  Very difficult.  Very.  Filming animals with no help?  Even harder than that.  Filming animals with no help and with a jealous canine audience barking & kicking up a fuss at the sidelines...?  So you shall see.  Don't judge me too harshly, my filming technique can only improve!

Of course, Keskiyo already knows how to sit, so a new puppy will take a bit longer to get the hang of it than Keskiyo does in this film. 

If it's Not Working 

If your dog's nose is following your hand but his back legs are not bending, then you are holding the treat up too high.  Keep your hand close to the dog's nose during the whole exercise. 

If he keeps scooting backwards rather than bending his legs, don't give the treat and don't react.  Just start again.  Don't get frustrated, just be calm.  If you find yourself getting frustrated at any point when training your dog, stop and try again later.

Don'ts:  Don't get angry or impatient.  Don't yell or use a harsh voice.  Don't push your dog's bottom down.

Tips for Success:  Take your time.  Be patient.   Be quick to give treats and enthusiastic praise.  Be generous with the praise and petting.  Always reward well while your dog is still learning.