How to Train Your Dog To Sit

Brindle puppy who is learning to sit
black Shih Tzu puppy learning to sit
brindle and white puppy learning to sit

by Janice Jones     |Last Updated 02-14-2020

You don’t need a magic age to begin to train your dog to sit.  This is one of the first and often the easiest command to teach so training should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home.

Even 8 week old puppies can learn this command, assuming they have been completely weaned and will accept food rewards. 

Some will even sit without a food reward--it just depends on the dog.  If your puppy is not interested in food, find a toy to use as a reward.

Teach your Shih Tzu how to Sit, using the "Sit" dog command.Train Your Dog to Sit

 5 Steps to Mastering the "SIT" command

  1. Stand or kneel in front of the dog, holding a treat between your thumb and forefinger with your palms facing up.  You can use either hand, but it's easier if you treat with your dominant hand.  Your hands should be just slightly higher than your dog’s head.

  2. Move the treat over the dog’s head.  This should make the dog’s nose point up and his rear drop down.  The instant his rear touches the floor, say, “Good, sit” or “Yes, sit” and give him a treat.  Say the words in a happy, excited voice.

  3. If he doesn’t respond, pull slightly upward on the leash and put slight finger pressure on his haunches.  Say, “Good, sit” the second his rump touches the floor.

  4. Once your dog is consistently sitting, wait a few seconds before rewarding. Remember to only reward while your dog is in the correct position of squarely sitting on the floor.

  5. At this point, pair the word, “sit” with your hand signal and praise when they perform the command.
Training your dog to sit on command.Use Tiny Food Rewards

Problems You May encounter

My Dog Sits, But Won't Stay Sitting

In a gentle but firm manner, keep placing your dog back into a sit.

Once he has learned the behavior, he should not break his sit until released. Hold off giving the treat until he has been in the position for a count of 3.

My Dog Won't Sit

Continue to hold the treat slightly above his head and move it very slowly over his head. 

You may need to do it on several different occasions until the dog figures out what you expect.  Don’t give up and don’t give in. 

When to Train Your Dog to Sit

Teach the "Sit" CommandTeach "Sit"

When to practice the “sit” command:

  • Make a point to practice for short periods (2 or 3 minutes) several times a day.
  • Work on the "Sit" command before each meal.
  • Command your dog to sit while you attach a leash.
  • Use the command when brushing, combing, or clipping nails.
  • Use the command throughout the day when you have a minute or two to train.

Janice Jones is a Shih Tzu specialist and former breeder with a background in veterinary care, grooming, training, and canine behavior. She has spent nearly 50 years working with the breed and ran a home-based breeding program for 15 years, raising well-socialized puppies. Early in her career, she worked as a veterinary assistant supporting surgery, x-rays, and lab work. She shares practical guidance at miracleshihtzu.com and across social platforms. Today, she enjoys the quiet companionship of her aging dogs, understanding them as they understand her.

Janice is walking a few of her Shih Tzu dogsYou guessed it, I'm not a trained dog walker.