How I Taught Bailey to Sit on Command: NEW TRICK TUESDAY

New Trick Tuesday is where I share all of the new tricks that Bailey knows and how to teach them to your own dog! I use the clicker training method with Bailey. It is especially useful for our purposes since Bailey will eventually need to be target trained for her work as a service dog. For more information about the target training method click here.

The first trick that Bailey learned was "Sit." She learned it within the first three days of being home. Here is the method I used to train Bailey to sit. Keep in mind this is just one way to teach your dog to sit and if you choose to use a different method I'm sure it could work just as well. Training sessions with Bailey usually at this point last about 5 minutes, depending on how long she is able to pay attention. I try to keep training sessions short and fun so that she doesn't lose interest.

Step 1

Using a small training treat, get your dog's attention. Let the dog sniff it but not eat it.

Step 2

Bailey following a treat into a sitting position

Lift the treat above their head very slowly, keeping their attention on the treat. Their nose should follow your hand. As you lift the treat say "Sit" and move it backward. This should cause your pup to lose balance slightly and fall back into a sitting position.

Step 3

As soon as you see your pup get into a sitting position click your clicker and, immediately after, give them the treat. Follow this with tons of praise. Your pup has done an amazing thing! Having a clicker is not necessary for this step, I use it to help Bailey associate the treat with the clicker so that we can continue using the clicker in training in the future, making it easier to teach more difficult tricks.

Bailey, proudly sitting after a fun training session!

I hope you found this step-by-step method for teaching your dog to sit helpful!