Teaching a dog to sit on command is one of the commands that is considered simple. But to be successful, you need to be persistent and not impatient. In this dog training section, Inkpawarts.com will introduce to you the simplest and most effective ways to teach a dog to sit.

Dog training tools

Using an ultrasonic dog whistle

With this simple way of training your dog to sit, you don’t need to prepare much. Prepare a rope about 15-20 meters long for your dog . Take your dog to a flat training ground. Make sure the training ground is not bumpy or has objects that block the dog’s vision.

Whistles can be used to make dog training easier. The ultrasonic dog whistle (automatically adjusts the sound) is designed with sounds similar to the language of dogs. It helps the owner to know the easiest way to train a dog on demand. Use the whistle with different approaches to regulate your dog. For example: “Stand still”, 2 short blows. “Sit down”, 1 long and 1 short blow. “Stop”, 2 long blows …

Dog Training Clicker

You can use a tool called Clicker. Up to now, we are familiar with teaching dogs in 2 ways: using discipline and food combined with petting or praising to teach dogs. However, there is a new method to teach dogs very quickly and effectively. Suitable for all breeds of dogs: Poodle, Pitbull, German Shepherd, Pug, Corgi…

The trainer creates an association between each click of the Clicker and a treat for the dog. Each click of the Clicker is followed by a treat for the dog. After repeating the clicker many times and then rewarding, the dog will understand that each time it hears the Clicker, it will be rewarded. From there, the puppy will have the habit of doing everything the trainer wants in order to hear the Clicker. Because every time it hears the Clicker, there is food.

Steps to teach your dog to sit and lie down

1. Command to sit : The dog owner stands 1 meter away from the dog and commands the dog to “Sit” in front of him. The left hand holds the leash, the right hand is raised high, and the dog’s neck is slightly pulled up. The right hand is turned face down towards the dog so that the dog can clearly see the “Sit” movement. The command must match the hand raised high at the same time.
2. Command to lie down : After the sitting movement is established, give the command “Lie down”. At the same time, give the command to bend down. Use your right hand to pull the leash down into your palm and lower it close to the ground. Practice continuously for the dog to “Lie down”, “Sit” about 20 – 30 times.
3. Increase the distance : The next practice sessions increase the distance until the end of the rope is 10 – 25m. When you are proficient, you can remove the rope and practice hand signals.
4. End command : Stand about 10m away from the dog, then say “Sit” while raising your right hand high. Palm facing forward, finger pointing to the sky. When saying “Lie down” to the dog, lower your hand to hip level. Palm facing down. Give the command at the same time as lowering your hand.

The best way to teach a dog to sit is to do it 3 times a week. After a while, the dog will get used to and learn simple commands like that. In addition, you should use dog treats to encourage the dog when it completes the lesson well. That is also a way to help the dog learn commands faster. Refer to the types of dog treats below:

Dog training to sit still

The dog will maintain its current position as soon as it hears the command. Training the dog to stand and sit in a position helps the owner control the dog from running around or maintaining a position to facilitate training.

Steps to teach your dog to sit still

1. Command to sit : Call the dog to run towards you and then command “Sit”. However, instead of clicking the clicker and rewarding it with food right when it sits, stand still and let it sit for about 3-4 seconds before clicking the clicker and rewarding.
2. Command Stay : Repeat as above but this time let the dog sit and wait for a longer period of time. Doing this will train the dog to wait patiently for the reward. And it is not necessary to be rewarded immediately when doing it correctly. After a few times of practicing as above with increasing time, make the dog wait longer. When the dog is used to it, we start applying the command “Stay”.
3. Command to sit still : When the dog has initially understood the command to listen to the command “Stay”, it must sit and wait. You combine the command with the command Sit. Specifically, say “Sit Still” so that the dog will stay in that sitting position without going anywhere. When the dog has understood the command “Stay”, we begin to increase the distance standing near the dog. Command “Sit Still” and then step back 1 step. If the dog still sits still, immediately click the Clicker and approach it to reward it with food.
4. Repeat many times : Repeat the same as the above step but each time increase the distance with the dog a little. Instead of 1 step, take 2 steps, then when the dog gets used to it, increase it to 3 steps, 4 steps. And if the dog still sits still, press the Clicker and step closer to reward. When the dog is used to sitting still without moving for a while after hearing the command, you can change the command for the dog in another position such as: Lie down, stand, lie still, stand still…

Pay attention when teaching your dog to sit still

If the dog moves its position or posture without your permission, immediately run back and pull the dog back to its original position and posture and then start the exercise again from the beginning. Use the word “OK” when you want the dog to no longer have to stay in one place so that the dog understands that it can move. With just a few simple steps like that, you can train your dog. Review this exercise every day for them. To create more habits and so that they do not forget the command anymore.

Teach your dog to sit quietly and wait for the right thing to do.

Teaching your dog to sit quietly and wait is one of the most commonly used training methods. Especially when you take your dog out but want to go shopping or go to the bathroom. It would be great if your dog could learn to sit quietly and wait for you. So how do you teach your dog to sit quietly and wait?

How to teach your dog the command “Wait”

First, you need to use your language and hand gestures to tell them: “Wait”. Then leave your dog, without going too far. Turn around and see if your dog stays still as you left. If they really do not leave the original position, you can return to their side to reward them. You can give them a little food, stroke their neck and shoulders.

You must know that your dog does not understand what you say. Even if they are smart, they do not have this ability. If you sometimes feel that they are very “good at understanding people”, it is only because they remember how you praise them. On the contrary, if you find that after you leave, they follow you. This phenomenon is very likely to happen, you must immediately repeat the previous training method.

Furthermore, you must use signs and body language to let your dog know that you are very dissatisfied with their recent behavior. Repeat this several times, and your dog will understand the true meaning of your request to “Wait”. Later, you can gradually increase the time and distance of your departure. Your dog will gradually form the habit of waiting for you to finish your work and come back.

Pay attention when teaching dogs to sit and wait

Teaching your dog to sit quietly requires patience. Sometimes they may not listen because they don’t understand the lesson. In these cases, you should start slowly. With a particularly active dog, it may take several weeks of practice before he gets used to the sit command.

When teaching a dog to sit still and wait, you should take the dog to a spacious place. These are places where the dog will not be disturbed so that it can concentrate on learning. Practice one type of movement at a time, every day after learning a movement for 15 minutes. First, hold the leash and practice again, when satisfied, then teach another movement. When they do something wrong or do not listen, do not punish them, but touch their heads and encourage them a few sentences. This way they will be more obedient, because the reward is never too little.

Teach your dog to sit on two legs obediently in place

Teaching a dog to sit on two legs is also one of the basic lessons. The dog will be trained to sit on its two hind legs, raising its two front legs. The main purpose is to get the dog used to keeping balance. You can apply the lesson to let them sit on a motorbike or bicycle when moving.

Method 1

1. Start with your dog sitting facing you. Stand in front of him far enough away that he won’t hit you when he stands up. Don’t stand too far away or he will lie down.
2. Hold the treat close to your dog’s nose so that it follows it with its nose. Slowly raise your hand, slightly above its head, so that it is forced to lift its head. This will force your dog to lift its legs off the ground. As soon as your dog lifts its legs off the ground, click the clicker and reward it with a treat. You can also use a training stick instead of your hand.
3. Because the dog is not used to it, after lifting its legs up, it will have to put them down again, so let the dog return to a sitting position.
4. Repeat step 1. Each time, let the dog raise its paw a little higher and then click the clicker so that the dog understands that it has to raise its paw higher. The higher the better, while still maintaining balance. Click the clicker as soon as the dog holds its body in the position of raising both paws off the ground for 1-2 seconds.
5. Once the puppy has been trained for a while and can sit comfortably on its butt and raise its legs, start incorporating commands. You can use the command “Sit high” or “Hello” right before clicking the clicker and giving a treat.

Method 2

Let the dog sit next to you at the same level as your left knee. Then use your left hand to gently pull the reins around the dog’s neck up, pushing the dog’s tail straight back (if the dog has a tail). Let the dog’s buttocks and tail form a tripod for the dog to sit firmly. At first, you can use your left knee for the dog to lean on (if the dog has a large body). When the dog is sitting firmly, gradually pull your left knee out so that the dog can sit without leaning.

Method 3

Also let the dog sit as in method 1, but this time do not use the rein to pull the dog’s neck up, but use your left hand to hold the dog’s collar. Your right hand goes under the dog’s chest or a small stick goes under the dog’s belly to gradually lift the dog up. Let the dog’s two front legs rest on your arm, or on the stick.

Practice getting the dog to sit and hold it in a balanced position. Then slowly pull your arm (or stick) out. Let the dog sit in that position. Repeat this exercise many times until the dog can lift itself up and sit firmly without any help. At this point, you move on to practicing remote control.

Attention in training

During the training process, you must be very patient and calm, constantly encouraging the dog to be excited to perform the movements well. When training a puppy, the dog’s meals must be thin like porridge and reasonably spaced so that the dog has time to digest, otherwise it will cause food poisoning which is very dangerous. Note, this command should only be taught when the puppy is over 6 months old. The reason is because it must sit on its hind legs, if the puppy is not yet developed, it will affect the hip bones.

For some dog breeds with very long bodies and very short legs, practicing this movement will be extremely difficult. First, you teach your dog the “Sit” movement. When your dog has performed the “Sit” movement correctly, you move on to teaching your dog to sit with 2 legs. Each exercise should only last 15 minutes. Then let your dog run and rest, this will be more effective.

Teach dog to sit with food

A small note that you must always remember is: 1 hand holding the clicker, 1 hand holding the dog food .

1. Stand in front of your dog. Start by holding the hand with the treat just above its nose. Then slowly move that hand up to the top of its head, between its ears. Since the dog is looking at the treat, it will lift its head. By reflex, the dog will sit on the ground with its butt. As soon as the dog puts its butt on the ground, click the clicker and give it a treat.
2. Move the dog to another location to get up, then repeat as above.
3. Repeat this about 10-15 times. Be careful not to raise your hand above its head, but move to another location for it to follow. The goal is to get the dog to leave the sitting position. When it follows you to another location, stand up straight, cross your arms in front of your chest. The dog will notice your hand and automatically sit down to wait for food.
4. As soon as the dog sits, click the clicker and give it a treat. Repeat this 10-15 more times. As soon as the dog puts its butt down, say the command “Sit” then click the clicker and give it a treat. Repeat this 10-20 times and then let the dog rest. Then practice every day until it understands.

If your dog doesn’t understand the lesson, be patient. Don’t scold them. Start teaching them again from the beginning with the basic steps. After a few times, they will surely understand what you expect from them.

Teaching Dogs to Sit Still Using Clicker

Training a dog to sit still is also known as the “Stay” command. After learning this command, the dog will maintain its current position immediately upon hearing the command. The “Stay” command helps the owner control the dog from running around. Or keeping the position is convenient for training when going to crowded places or places with many dogs.

1. Command to sit : Call the dog to run towards you and then command “Sit”. However, instead of clicking the clicker and rewarding it with food right when it sits, stand still and let it sit for about 3 or 4 seconds. Then click the clicker and reward.
2. Repeat the sit command : Repeat as above but this time let the dog sit and wait for a longer time. About 5-6 seconds then click the clicker and reward. This action will train the dog to patiently sit and wait for the reward. Do it a few times with gradually increasing waiting time. When the dog is used to it, we start applying the command “Stay”.
3. Command to sit still : When the dog has initially heard and understood the command to sit still means to wait, you combine the command with the command to sit. Specifically, say “Sit…Stay” so that the dog will stay in that sitting position without going anywhere. Training the dog to sit still is initially successful.
4. Extend the distance : Once the dog understands the stay command, we start extending the distance away from the dog. Give the command “Sit…Stay” and then step back 1 step. If the dog still sits still, immediately click the Clicker and go closer to reward it with food.
5. Extend the distance for the second time : Repeat the above step but each time extend the distance with the dog a little bit. Instead of 1 step, take 2 steps, then when the dog gets used to it, increase to 3 steps, 4 steps… If the dog still sits still, click the clicker and step closer to reward.
6. Expanding the command for the dog : When the dog is used to sitting still and not moving, we change the command, putting the dog in a different position such as: “lie down, stand… lie… still”, “stand… still”.

You can use the word “OK” when you want the dog to stop staying in one place. This lets the dog know that they can move. Or combine it with the command “Come here” by waving your hand to get the dog to come closer with the sign. If the dog moves its position or posture without your permission, immediately run back and pull the dog back to the original position. Keep the same posture and then practice again from the beginning.

How to teach dogs to sit left and right

To teach left and right sit, you will need a training stick, dog food , and a Clicker. The steps include:

1. Using the training stick and food handle, guide the dog to walk to the right and stand next to you on the left. Immediately click the clicker and reward.
2. Repeat step 1 several times, finally saying “left” “right” as soon as the puppy stands on the left or right side.
3. Repeat this action until the dog understands and does not need to use the training stick. It can go left, right on your command.

After your dog understands the left and right sit command, start teaching it the command to sit on the left and right. First, teach it the command “sit on the left” on the left side. When you start this lesson, you just need to use the training stick to move it to your right side. This way, you can easily teach it this command and say: “Sit on the right”. The dog will run close to your left leg.

Then, use a lure or training stick to guide your dog to your right. Repeat this several times, saying “Yes.” In about 10 minutes, you won’t need to use the training stick to guide your dog. All that’s left is to spend some time practicing.

If teaching your dog to sit left or right is confusing, you should teach the command “Sit close to your feet” first. Then, you direct it to the right. It only takes about 2 lessons for your dog to be able to practice proficiently.

Dog training to ride a motorbike

Teaching dogs to balance

Before training your dog to ride a motorbike, you need to let your dog practice balancing on the motorbike and get used to sitting on the motorbike seat. But the first thing is that you and your dog do not have any distance anymore, you must be really close and attached to each other. When you first train, you should not bring your dog on the motorbike and let it run right away.

First, you should stand your motorbike upright and sit on the saddle. At the same time, you should let your dog stand or sit on the saddle right in front of you. You can hold them with one hand so that they cannot fall to the ground. If your dog jumps off the motorbike while it is running, it will be dangerous for the dog’s musculoskeletal system.

Not to mention the case of the dog being hit by a car. Causing an accident for both the dog and the pedestrian. Don’t be impatient, just keep doing it over and over again until you feel the dog is familiar and proficient with the movement of teaching the dog to sit on a motorbike like that, then think about the next training situations.

Teach your dog to climb into the car on its own

In the first stage, you have to lift the dog up to sit on the saddle. At this step, you do not lift the dog up to the motorbike saddle anymore. Each time, you tap the dog to signal it to point to the saddle, while holding the leash and pulling it up in the direction of the saddle. Do this over and over again and the dog will get used to it. Remember that at each step while teaching the dog to sit on the motorbike, you should reward them with pieces of food that the dog especially loves.

Let your dog sit on the motorbike when moving

If you have mastered the above 2 steps, then at this step you can confidently take them out on the street. At this point, teaching your dog to ride a motorbike is very simple. You should just go slowly. Avoid the situation where the dog is sitting on the motorbike, if it gets too agitated, it can rush and run out of the motorbike, which can easily endanger passersby as well as your dog.