Train your dog to “Sit down"

Sit
Getting your dog to sit is one of the most basic commands, and the most useful. You have more control over your dog and you can get him to calm down when meeting people or being checked over.

• The basic method for getting your dog to sit on command.
• Offer a reward and ask the dog to sit. If he doesn't, hold the treat right in front of his nose.
• Move the treat upwards and backwards, over his head. As his nose follows it, his bottom should go down.
• If he moves backwards, place him against a wall so he can't reverse.
• Give him the treat as soon as his bottom touches the floor, with lots of praise.
• Practise this sequence over several sessions until the dog begins to understand what he has to do.
• Eventually he will learn to sit when you hold the treat above him, and that the word "sit" is associated with the treat.
• Practise in lots of different locations and circumstances until he always sits when you ask him to.

Down
The down command naturally follows 'sit', and is a crucial part of dog training. If you can get your dog to go into the down position you may well be able to stop him getting into trouble, especially if other dogs come along. He will seem subservient and not up for a fight. It is also an important factor in gaining control.

There are three ways to teach the down position and you should stick to one method in order not to confuse your dog.

Method 1 - the conventional route

• Get your dog to sit holding a treat between your finger and thumb just over his nose
• Gradually lower the treat and get him to follow it to the floor whilst giving the down command
• Once he is lying down give him the treat
• Repeat several times

Method 2 - the reward

• Get your dog to lie down by repeating the down command and offering praise or a treat each time he responds
• Repeat several times then wait for your dog to lie down of his own accord
• The good associations will make him want to go down when you ask him

Method 3 - one for the puppies

• Crouch down on the floor with one leg out to the side in a bridge position, leaving just enough room for the puppy to crawl underneath
• He should automatically go into the down position - as soon as he does, reward him with a treat
• Repeat this technique several times then gradually start taking your leg away as he gets the hang of it
• Eventually you should wait for the down to happen without giving him the command - when that happens, reward your puppy.