Teach Your Dog or Cat to Sit

Sit, is the first and most basic command to teach. Actually, it is quite easy. As always, you will need your supply of tasty treats and 5-10 minutes a day to practice.

While your dog or cat is standing in front of you, show him the treat. Hold it just above his nose. When he sees it, move it backward toward his bottom. He should naturally follow it with his head and to do so, will put his bottom on the ground. As he lowers his bottom, say sit. When he sits, reward him with praise and a treat. Repeat.

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Teach Your Dog or Cat to Lie Down

Teaching the “Down” command first, leads to other tricks suck as “Play Dead” and “Roll Over.” The Down command should follow the training to “Sit.” Once your pet has learned the sit command you can move on to the down command.

1. First get your tasty treats ready. Pick a time when your pet is relaxed and willing to work.
2. Give your pet the “Sit” command. When he sits, reward with a treat.
3. Next, put a treat in your closed hand. Put your hand by his nose and let him smell the yummy treat. Lower your hand toward the floor while putting gentle pressure on your pet’s shoulders. When he gives in and lies down, praise him and reward him with the yummy treat.
4. At first, your pet will probably get right back up. As training goes on, you can have him lie down for longer periods of time by withholding the treat and praise.
5. Repeat the above steps until your pet catches on. You will want to keep training sessions short, no more than 5-10 minutes so that both you and your pet don’t get frustrated.