How to train your dog to sit

One of the easiest commands that you can teach your dog is how to sit. Getting your dog to sit is a very practical trick that you can use in order to direct and control him when needed. When learning to sit, your dog should know what is expected of him when you say the command and obey you every time.

This kind of dog training is actually fairly easy. The following are two methods that you can try. These methods have been proven to be very useful and have stood the test of time.

1. You must start by getting a piece of small treat. Show it to your dog by holding it just a little over his head and a bit in front of his eyes.

2. Next, say “SIT!” as you move your hand above his eyes. You dog should sit as he look up at the treat.

3. As soon as he sits, award him with the treat and praise him by telling him what a good puppy he is. You should do this without petting him; otherwise, he will most likely get up and disregard or forget about the demand that you just went over with him.

TIP: Accurately positioning your hand in regard to your dog's head is important when using this technique when training your dog how to sit. If you hold up your hand too high, your dog will determine to jump up. If your hand is too low, it is more likely that he will not sit. You need to position your hand about two inches above your dogs’ head.

TIP: If your dog ignores the command or is having a hard time responding on his own, say “sit” once again. Get him to sit by positioning your right hand on his chest and your left hand behind his knees and under his tail in order to tuck him down to sit. While keeping your hands still, count to five before giving him his treat.

Apply this technique with your dog five times consecutively for about five days. Some dogs can catch up right away that they will automatically sit and face their owner when they want a treat.

Toy Dogs

No, you don’t wind them up and they don’t take batteries

“Toy” dogs are becoming more popular all the time. These little dogs, the result of generations of selective breeding, are generally bred as companion animals and people just seem to love them. Their miniature size and playful nature (most toy breeds are good natured dogs with a few exceptions) make them wonderful companions and for several years they have been chic among well to do people.

Most of the toy dog breeds hail originally from Asia where the process of selectively breeding dogs to make them smaller is believed to have begun, but there are plenty of toy breeds from other areas of the world as well.

Bichon Frise
A small dog that was originally bred as a companion dog, the Bichon Frise possesses a boisterous personality, is very tolerant of children, other animals and strangers, and is highly intelligent and very trainable. These dogs have a short and curly white coat that does require frequent grooming.

Chihuahua
The Chihuahua may be the best known of the toy dog breeds. They have a short or medium coat, are easy to groom, and possess average intelligence and trainability. They do not have the best personalities and are not tolerant of children, other animals, or strangers. The Chihuahua hails from Mexico originally and is the smallest of the toy dog breeds.

Maltese
The Maltese is a companion dog that was originally bred for royalty or the very wealthy. They are natural born troublemakers, but are very loyal to their owners. They are not at all good with children, other animals, or strangers. They’re considered to be dogs of average intelligence and trainability. Their beautiful coats require frequent grooming.

Pekingese
The Pekingese was originally bred for the Emperors of China. These little dogs have a boisterous personality and are not very tolerant of children or other animals. They do bark a lot and are often difficult to train. Wary of strangers they can make a good watchdog and will bark loudly when strangers approach their home.

Pug
The Pug comes from East Asia. Their short coat requires little grooming, but the folds and wrinkles of their faces must be cleaned often. Pugs make wonderful family dogs because they are very docile, don’t bark a lot, and are good with children and other animals. They are highly intelligent dogs and very social.