How to Train a Puppy to Sit Without Treats

Reward-based training is a great way to train your puppy. Many dogs react in a positive way and learn when food is involved. However, there may be times your puppy needs to learn when you do not have treats handy or in times when you don't want to fill his tummy with treats. Your puppy should be able to perform simple tricks such as 'sit' without using treats to lure or to reward. Getting your dog to perform these simple tricks will be a matter of conditioning and rewarding with positive behaviors and activities from you. Try to teach him to sit without using treats and save those high-value treats for more advanced learning. 'Sit' is an easy command to learn and a very natural position for your puppy.

Finding something your puppy will work for won't be hard to do. He may work for toys or even for affection from you. Often times, playtime with your dog is reward enough. Your dog lives to please you, and he's eager to do so. A simple change in your tone of voice will either tell him you are disappointed in his behaviors or you are very excited that he is learning something new. Though you can teach your puppy simple commands such as 'sit' with treats, rewarding him with time with you, an incredibly warm tone, and loving words from you or even his favorite toy rope is often enough to get him excited and motivated to perform these simple commands.

You will want to schedule some training time with your puppy. Set aside a little extra time to play with him before you work on training commands, even something as simple as 'sit'. Consider bringing new toys or favorite toys to your training sessions for rewards to give to your dog during training. They should be rewards you can take away again and regift as you repeat the training and the command. Be sure you are upbeat with a great attitude so your little guy can feel your excitement and your pride as he learns the 'sit' command. You will want to schedule some training time with your puppy. That aside, plan a little extra time to play with him before you work on training commands, even something a simple as 'sit'.