Objective: Teach Fido to sit when asked
Why this is important…
- Provides verbal control over Fido
- Prevents other behaviors such as jumping
- Keeps Fido focused and promotes good manners
- Can be used to teach or as a part of other behaviors
- Work in a quiet place without distractions
- Have clicker and treats at the ready
- Observe Fido carefully without staring. Click! immediately every time Fido sits
- Give a treat and toss another treat a few feet away to reset Fido
- When Fido is sitting repeatedly without being asked, add the verbal cue Sit! just as Fido is offering the behavior.
- Practice doing ten, 3 minute sessions with verbal cue
- Add a verbal cue
- Work in a quiet place without distractions
- When Fido is sitting repeatedly without being asked, add the verbal cue Sit! just as Fido is offering the behavior – Click!
- Practice doing at least ten, 3 minute sessions with verbal cue given as the sit is being offered
- Get Fido’s attention and ask for a sit ahead of the behavior. Click when the butt hits the ground. Ask only once and wait at least 45 seconds for Fido to comply.
- If Fido does not know what you are asking, back up to step 2b and do five to ten more 3 minute sessions before trying step 2d again. If Fido complies with the request give a jackpot of treats.
- Continue short training sessions giving verbal command to elicit sit behavior and Click! to mark the behavior.
- Add duration slowly by requiring Fido to sit for longer periods before giving the treat. (seconds not minutes)
- Practice in different areas of the home
- Fading the clicker
- When Fido is offering solid sit behavior when asked, replace every other Click! with the praise word “Good” or “Yes”. Gradually fade out the Click! completely and just use the key praise word.
- Continue to treat while using the praise word.