Sit!
This is the first word you need to teach your dog after
you teach him his name. The command sit will be the
foundation for your dog’s training, as well as safety.
Begin
training your dog as early as possible. In a dog’s
world, there must be a pack leader. You need take on
that role from day one. Do not get down to or below the
dog’s level, do not let the dog go out of the door
first, and do not give a command without getting the
proper response. Some trainers say that dogs should
never be allowed on the bed or furniture. In our house,
the bed is not the bed without our Dalmatian on it – so
you will need to decide in your own household what works
best for you.
Always
be positive when you are training. Never hit, sound
angry or get frustrated. If you begin to feel agitated,
end training immediately. Only use one word commands so
you won’t confuse your dog. For instance, don’t use,
“Sit, Stay,” but rather, “Sit.” The more words you use,
the more confused your dog will get. Begin by telling
your dog in a calm, firm voice, “Sit.” Place your dog
in a sitting position and immediately praise him for
sitting. Do not say sit more than once. When training,
it is important to use the one word command and don’t do
anything further until you get the result. Telling the
dog to sit more than once means, “You have to sit, but
whenever you feel like it.” Again, never sound angry –
remain calm to keep your authority intact - say sit, and
get your dog to sit.
Google Square Ad
When
using a command, do not let it end in what sounds like a
question mark. Speak clearly with authority, being sure
you are not asking your dog to sit. Only use
your dog’s name when you are praising him. If at any
time you must tell your dog no, do not use his name.
Once you have taught your dog to sit, begin practicing
on your next walk. Go to the front door and have your
dog sit. Open the door and make sure you exit first.
Then allow your dog to come. As you walk, have your dog
sit occasionally. Praise every time your dog sits
correctly. After you say sit, make sure your dog sits,
and do not give the command a second time. You can
practice Sit throughout the day at home as well. Before
you put the dog’s food bowl down, have her sit. Place
the bowl on the floor and tell her it is OK to eat.
When you are about to play, have your dog sit and then
praise when he does.
Teaching your dog Sit may one day save his life. Drop
should be your next command. There may be a time that
your dog picks up something dangerous that he needs to
drop immediately. Knowing both these commands are both
good for training and for safety.
Remember that training even occurs in your day to day
dealings with your dog. If your dog is excited and
jumps, you may respond by talking to him over and over,
telling him, “Down, down..” and touching him. Just as
it is to a child, this can be considered attention
(although negative) and therefore may be attractive to
the dog. Tell the dog down, walk away and do not give
her attention.
