How to Train Your Dog to Sit

Hello Stacy, The issue might be a bit of both. What it probably boils down to is that he does not want to sit because he is distracted and it is uncomfortable. In the backyard is is more comfortable and he has formed a habit of sitting so does not think about whether or not he wants to as much. The reward of the treat in other situations probably does not outweigh his displeasure with sitting and the reward of the distractions, so he chooses not to sit. To deal with this he needs practice sitting in a variety of locations so that he builds a habit of sitting whenever told to. It ought to become more of an immediate response and less of something that he has to think about. So practicing in a variety of locations is key. The second thing that he probably needs is to learn that sitting is not optional. If he sits, you will often make it worth his while by continuing your walk or by giving him a treat, a pet, or praise, but even if he does not want to sit and does not care about the reward he still has to sit when told to, and he can take or leave the reward. When you tell him to sit, make sure that he does it and do not show him a treat until after he sits. If he does not sit and you know that he heard you, then stand still, tighten up his leash so that he cannot move around or sniff things and will get bored, and if he is looking at something, then stand in front of him to block his view, then simply wait one minute, until he sits. As soon as he sits, reward him with a treat or by letting him continue the walk or by letting him look at whatever was distracting him. Use whatever he wants as the reward within reason. If he does not sit after one minute, then cup one hand underneath his chin and place the fingers from your other hand on either side of his tail bone, where his tail meets his back. Lift up his chin a bit and apply inward and downward pressure to the sides of the base of his tail. Do this until he sits to get away from the pressure. The idea is to apply a bit of pressure to make him uncomfortable so that he will choose to sit on his own to escape it. This way he is having to make the decision himself to sit. Both the waiting and the pressure are important, because you want him to think about what you said and what he is doing, that is why you wait before applying any pressure, to give him time to think about what he should be doing. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello, lovely of you to rescue Wicket, and I love the name! I like what is called the Guide Method, which is where you gently push on the chest with one hand and guide the bottom down at the same time. You can also push gently against the back of the legs to ease him into the sit position. The method is described in more detail here: https://wagwalking.com/training/sit-2 If you prefer to see instructions, Robert Cabral has excellent videos and the sit command is covered here, and describes the movement with treat training. When training, make the instructions as clear as you can. Be patient, always give positive reinforcement and remember to end the training on a good note, before Wicket has had enough. Have fun and good luck!

Hello Joyce, I would postpone teaching sit for two weeks- it is very possible he is sore and avoiding it due to discomfort. After 2-3 weeks resume teaching it and check out the article linked below. Sometimes the most common method (treat luring) doesn't work for your dog, and another method would work best, you won't know for sure until he recovers. Do a little experimenting trying different methods for three days each to see which method fits you guys once he is totally healed. Also, set your expectations to succeed - knowing that it is normal for this to take weeks instead of days for many dogs to learn. Expect an average of practicing most days for two weeks to learn the basic concepts and six weeks to be able to sit when told in regular circumstances. Sit article: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-german-shepherd-puppy-to-sit Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello Joyce, Check out the article linked below. For him, I suggest practicing all three methods. Whichever thing motivates him the most, use that method most consistently - such as play and toys vs. Food. https://wagwalking.com/training/like-a-crate Also, practice the crate manners exercise linked below frequently. Its not a super fun exercise for him, just repetetive, but it can help desensitize him to going in and out and conditioning calmness so that, although the crate may not be a super fun place it is a calm place in his mind, without a lot of arousal and anxiety surrounding it. Arousal and anxiety are what you want to decrease to help him relax in the crate. https://youtu.be/mn5HTiryZN8 Finally, know that this simply will take time - persist. The goal doesn't have to be him loving the crate (that usually comes much later after the dog is comfortable in there and a long term habit has developed) but the goal should be calmness and him realizing that nothing bad happens in the crate - its a bit boring but no more and no less right now than that for him. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello Emily, When pup is already lying down, tell pup to sit, then take a step toward them, looking like you will bump into them if they don't move a bit. Most dogs will jump back a little bit into the sitting position at least half the time you do this. When they do, stop walking, praise enthusiastically and give a treat. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden