by KYW's Nan Tallena

Teaching a dog to sit is the first and by far the most important command to teach.  It is fundamental because it the basis of so many other training cues and will help a dog to learn to focus on you. 

First, start the exercise by filling your pocket with small bite size treats. Put a treat in one hand.  With the dog directly in front of you, extend your bated hand in front of the dog’s nose. As he reaches his nose to your hand, slowly move your hand up over his nose.  Most dogs will react by looking up and following your hand with the treat. As he is looking up, begin moving your hand a little farther up over his head.  As he continues to follow your hand, he will naturally fall into a sit position.   The moment he sits, praise and reward with the treat.  Do not say the word “sit” until you know the dog knows what to do. 

As with all exercises, set your dog up to succeed,  never force your dog,  provide plenty of patience, support and praise, and eventually he will learn.