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.