How to Teach Your Dog to Sit
Teaching your dog to sit is one of the easiest and most important commands you can teach.
It’s like the ABCs of dog training—once they master “sit,” it opens the door to other tricks and commands. Plus, a dog that sits on command is a well-behaved dog 😉
Whether you’ve got a hyper puppy or a senior dog who needs a refresher, this step-by-step guide will help. You can also scroll down to watch the video lesson.
Step 1: Grab Their Attention
You can’t teach a distracted dog, so step one is making sure they’re focused on you. Use a treat—preferably something smelly and irresistible—to grab their attention. Hold it close to their nose so they’re zoned in.

If your dog’s busy staring at a squirrel or sniffing a random leaf, try again when they’re calmer.
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Join The Club Today! 🐾Step 2: Lure Them into Position
With the treat in hand, slowly move it up and slightly back over your dog’s head. Their nose will follow the treat, and their butt will naturally lower to the ground. As soon as their butt touches the floor, say “sit” in a clear, upbeat tone.

If they try to jump or back up instead, adjust the treat position. You want it just high enough to make them look up without hopping like a kangaroo.
Step 3: Reward and Repeat
The moment their butt hits the ground, give them the treat and lots of praise. Make them feel like a total rockstar for sitting. Repeat this a few times until they start associating the word “sit” with the action.
Keep sessions short and positive—5 to 10 minutes is plenty. Dogs learn best when training feels like a fun game, not a boring chore.

Step 4: Add the Command
Once they’re consistently sitting with the lure, start phasing out the treat. Hold your hand up as if you’re holding an invisible treat and say “sit.” When they follow the command, reward them with verbal praise or a belly rub instead of food.
Practice in different places—your living room, the backyard, or even the park. Dogs need to learn that “sit” means the same thing no matter where they are.
Video Lesson
Common Mistakes
Being Impatient
Some dogs get it immediately, while others need more time. Don’t rush or get frustrated if it takes a few tries. Every dog learns at their own pace.
Using Treats Forever
Treats are great for learning, but if you rely on them too long, your dog might only listen when snacks are involved. Start phasing out treats as soon as they understand the command.
Giving the Command Too Early
If you say “sit” before your dog knows what it means, it’s just noise to them. Wait until they’re following the lure before adding the word.
Overtraining
Dogs have short attention spans. Training sessions that go on too long can leave them bored or frustrated. Stick to 5–10 minutes and end on a positive note.
FAQ: Teaching “Sit”
1. How long does it take to teach “sit”?
It depends on your dog. Some pick it up in a few minutes, while others might need a couple of days. Patience and consistency are key.
2. Can I teach this to a puppy?
Absolutely! Puppies can learn to sit as early as 8 weeks old. Just keep training sessions short and fun to match their energy.
3. What if my dog doesn’t sit?
If your dog isn’t sitting, try adjusting the treat position or practicing in a quieter area. Sometimes distractions or confusion can get in the way.
4. Do I always need to use treats?
Nope! Treats are just for the learning phase. Once they’ve mastered the command, you can switch to praise, toys, or belly rubs as rewards.
5. Can older dogs learn to sit?
Yes! It’s never too late to teach your dog new tricks. Older dogs might take a little longer to learn, but they’re just as capable.

Final Thoughts
Teaching your dog to sit is one of the most useful (and easiest) commands you can teach. It’s the foundation for good behavior and helps build trust between you and your pup. Whether it takes a few minutes or a few days, the key is to stay patient and positive.
Once they’ve mastered “sit,” you’ll have a well-mannered pup who’s ready to learn even more cool tricks. So grab those treats, start practicing, and enjoy bonding with your four-legged friend. 😊 Who’s a good dog? (Hint: it’s yours.)

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉