Labrador Training: Teaching Your Labrador The “Sit” Command

In Labrador training, “sit” is the easiest command to teach and the most commonly used. It’s also essential for teaching and reinforcing good manners, establishing leadership and stopping bad behavior such as jumping.

There are three main ways you can go about teaching your Labrador the “sit” command:

Training your Labrador from a standing to sitting position

This technique is the most common way of teaching a dog how to “sit.” All you need to get started are some treats and a clean, quite space to work in. Once you’re ready to get started, follow these steps:

• Position yourself so that you’re standing in front of your Lab and that you’re facing each other.


• Hold a treat near your puppy’s nose and slowly move it above his or her head. Remember to keep about 2 inches between the dog and your hand. Otherwise, the treat may be snatched by surprise and you’ll lose focus in training.


• While you’re luring your dog with the treat, he or she should automatically get into the sitting position. As soon as this happens, give your dog the treat and some praise.


• Practice this technique a couple more times.


• Once your puppy is more confident, use the “sit” command so that it is associated with the action. Repeat this process until your dog has mastered the command and frequent treats are no longer necessary for success.

Training your Labrador from a down to sitting position

This method is sort of the opposite as the first one and it’s used less often. However, it’s always good to have different options, as not all Labradors learn the same way. Plus, it’s just as effective and easy to do.

• The first thing you need in order to teach the “sit” command using this method is to place your dog in a lying position.


• Next, hold a treat while moving your hand above the dog’s head.


• Your dog will follow the treat naturally and get in the sit position.


• The treat and some praise should be quickly awarded so that your puppy knows this is desirable behavior.


• After some practice, say the word “sit” right after the command is executed and give a reward. With some time, your dog will eventually associate the command with the action and treats will no longer be needed.

Using proper timing with your Lab

The last technique you can try in order to teach your Labrador Retriever to “sit” is all about proper timing. Basically, you need to say the command just before your puppy is going to sit and give a reward immediately after. Your dog will eventually associate sitting with the verbal cue.

 Dogs travel hundreds of miles during their lifetime responding to such commands as “come” and “fetch.” – Stephen Baker.

href=http://labradorretrieverguide.com/labrador-training-teaching-your-labrador-the-sit-command/>Labrador Training: Teaching Your Labrador The “Sit” Command