Training Dogs To Sit On Command

Dogs can be taught to recognize commands or whistles with particular actions. For success, repetition is essential, the more the dog hears the same instruction with one action the stronger the connection will be, until it becomes an automatic reaction.

Training to obey commands can be started at about six months old, whereas obedience training is done when the dog no longer too playful to concentrate. Avoid hitting your dog if they get it wrong, just say "NO" in a firm but low voice. Begin a command with the dogs name, praise them by saying "good dog" and patting them, but do this quietly so as not to get them too excited. Be sure to use the same words for the same command, altering them will only confuse the dog.

When you set about training, sessions should be approximately ten minutes long, this can be prolonged to twenty minutes as your pet gets accustomed to the exercise. A training session may need to be repeated five or six times day for several days, but not so often that your dog gets bored with it.

Sit; with the dog on your left, hold the lead in your right hand, press down on it's rump with your left hand pull the lead gently back and up and say "Sit". Praise the dog as soon as it sits and keep repeating until it sits automatically.

Stay; at first make your dog sit by your left leg. Say "Stay" whilst holding your hand about an inch from their nose. Next, hold the lead loosely and take a pace or two back holding your palm towards the dog, if the dog attempts to follow you, return and start again.

With continued practice, your dog will be able to sit and stay on command. This will help you position your dog just as you want them to get the very best angle for your pet portrait!