At some point during the teaching phase, your dog will begin to SIT before you are required to place him in the SIT position. Praise heartily with “good SIT.” If you find your dog sitting with little physical assistance or you have been placing your dog in a SIT for two weeks, begin the reinforcement phase of training.
(Check out Commanding Heel and Leash Manners)
You can begin to reinforce the SIT command by removing the physical assistance and introducing a corrective NO. Stand up straight and give the verbal command SIT. If your dog completes the SIT command, praise heartily with “good SIT.” If your dog does not complete the SIT command, give a corrective NO and repeat the SIT command. If your dog fails to SIT, repeat the corrective NO pattern a maximum of twice and then place your dog in the SIT position.
The leash correction required for the corrective NO is a vertical (up and slightly backward) snap and release.
Test the SIT Command **
Combine the SIT command with position-holding skills by teaching your dog SIT in motion. Maintain a close HEEL position and give your dog the SIT command. You may need to march in place for a few moments until your dog completes the SIT. When your dog sits, praise and continue walking forward until you reach the end of your leash and your dog remains in his position.
As your dog gets better at the SIT in motion, increase your speed until you can HEEL at a normal pace and your dog SITS immediately when commanded. Your goal is to have your dog stop his forward motion and SIT within a two-second count.
Your dog should understand that SIT is more than the action of moving his rump to the floor. To proof this idea we will teach your dog to SIT from DOWN at the side. While your dog is holding the DOWN position give the command SIT. You may need to motivate your dog by happily patting your leg. Be cautious not to lean over your dog because your body language will be telling him to stay down. Also divert your eye stare to the ground or better yet the horizon.
** 1000 Best Dog Training Secret
