Teaching Basic Dog Commands

Start off teaching these commands in a distraction free environment. As your dog becomes consistent in his response begin working around distractions until he is able to perform, even in the presence of other people and animals.

The Sit Command: To teach your dog the Sit command, first lure (with food) him into the Sit position and then click and treat. As with anytime you use a lure you must make sure to wean your dog off of the lure quickly to make sure he doesn't become overly attached to the lure. Follow these detailed steps:

Hold a treat just above your dog's nose and slowly bring it back over his head.
When your dog's bottom touches the ground, click and treat.
If your dog keeps backing up, practice against a wall so that you limit his options.
Repeat until your dog readily offers Sit.
Now without the lure in your hand entice your dog to Sit. If he does so, click and treat. If he doesn't then go back to using the food lure for six more repetitions before trying again.
As your dog becomes reliable in his response label the behavior "sit" just before his bottom touches the ground.
Repeat in various locations until your dog is obeying with no difficulties.
Now ask your dog to perform the behavior more than once in a row without clicking. After he has performed the action twice or three times click and treat. Slowly increase the number of times your dog repeats the behavior without hearing the click and receiving the treat.
Help him now learn to perform this behavior in other uncontrolled locations such as in the park, at the beach or in the pet store. If your dog doesn't respond well just be patient and review the steps with him in a low stress environment.
If your dog can perform the behavior ten times out of ten then he is ready to move onto another environment.

Remember to be patient and if your dog is failing the Ten in a Row make sure to go back to helping him with his behavior before demanding that he do it alone again. Remind him of the information he needs in order to get a click and treat and by reinforcing you will avoid your dog becoming upset and confused. Have your dog practice the Sit on varying surfaces. Remember to your dog some surfaces are strange while others are more familiar. Try to familiarize your dog with all different surface types. Spend more time working on those that are more difficult for him. Sit/Stay