A fist...
This is the preferred physical gesture for eliciting a "sit" from your pooch. Think of the Black Panthers notorious salute. Every command we ask of our dogs is accompanied by a physical gesture, which is best suited for the hand. Our dogs are used to our hands for many other forms of attention (such as being pet, scolded, or being handed a biscuit, so it is their natural inclination to look to our hands for direction
A treat...
If you were performing hard work or were producing a task that was a a result of something you don't necessarily want to do, wouldn't you expect to be compensated? Same principle applies here folks. We want to be payed as thanks for our work, and since we can't monetarily reward our dogs, we should compensate them the most sensible way; with a treat. I prefer you make this treat extra special, something aside from the every day biscuit or kibble that your dog already receives. Give them that extra incentive! I recommend Charlee Bear dog treats. They provide a taste Amos is wild for and they are all natural. I'm sure you can find them at Petco or a local store near you.
Keep this treat sealed away tight in your free hand and you will most certainly keep your dog's attention. If they know that there is an extra incentive to work for then they will most certainly to what it takes to get a taste. Make sure to only reward them with a treat once the action has satisfactorily performed. It's simple... you need to reward the action being performed, not anything else, because then your dog will think he/she is being rewarded for something other than what you are looking for. It's positive reinforcement! Accompany the treat with a pet or rub and lots of cheery, vocally pleasant praise.
And a dog...
I have found from previous experiences that canine obedience yields the best results with a live action dog. Cool...
Going through the motions...
Okay, I have found that this task is best performed close to a wall. Make it known to your dog that you have a treat in your hand, to capture their attention and appetite. Your talk will be much more willing to work with you. Every time you say "sit" say your dog's name first, as if to say "You, yes I am talking to you."
Now, hide the treat behind your back and don't let them perceive it again til the task is complete. Stand tall over your talk and in one simultaneous effort clearly state your dog's name,make the fist (signifying "sit") and hold it high but still within their line of sight, and clearly say sit. This might take several attempts... stay patient and calm. If your dog detects anxiety or frustration, they will pick up on it and lose focus.
Earlier I mentioned being close to a wall. Here's why! If you dog is physically not responding to your command, you should continue to hold your fist and take small, but authoritative steps toward them. Basically, back them up to the wall, if you have to. By now, you will have your dog sitting. Knowing that you still have a treat and that there is still something in it for them, they will want to see what happens and not take off.
Once the result happens, reward and praise! Just be consistent with your physical gestures and voice commands, and your dog will be on par in very little time.
End result...
*Good owner!*
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