How to Train a Puppy to Sit on Your Lap

Buster is your new best friend. He’s playful, excitable, and a real bundle of love. He wants to be near you every time you sit down, but he just cannot get comfy! Sometimes he will lay next to you when you want to cuddle him, and sometimes he will just pad around on your lap without settling. You need to train him how to sit on your lap.

Once you’ve completed this simple lesson, you’ll both be able to snuggle up close and catch up on the latest episodes of the new series everyone has been talking about. A little effort goes a long way, especially as puppies are like little sponges, soaking up new behaviors all the time. 

The command is very simple – it’s just ‘sit’. Either your pup is so young, he hasn’t quite learned this one yet, or he just doesn’t seem to realize that if he’s on your lap, he needs to get comfy! Either way, you can use the same training methods, but the time it will take will be shorter if he’s already heard the command before. For pups who already know how to sit, this could take just a couple of hours! For those that haven’t quite got the hang of it yet, you’ll have it in just a matter of days.

You can use these methods for adult dogs too. But just be aware that issuing new commands to older dogs takes a lot more patience. Their brains aren’t as open to new information as puppies, so it will take longer to train.

So what will you need?

In order to get started, you’ll need a few tasty treats to hand. All dogs love food, so this will act as an incentive and a reward for the correct behavior. Just look at how much Buster’s tail wags when he knows he’s getting food!

The nature of this task means you’ll probably be training him at home. This is a great setting because you can ensure there are no distractions. Puppies are curious about new sights and smells and you want him to focus. So, clear the room of any new friends, and make sure it’s just you and your pup.

The difficulty with this command is that you tend to be on the same height level as your dog. Being higher up usually puts you in a position of power, and makes your dog understand you’re the Alpha. It might take a little more coaxing, and a slightly firmer tone of voice in order to make sure he listens and understands you’re not playing.

 Let’s jump right in!