If there is only one command you teach your Chihuahua, the sit is perhaps the most useful of all. It is easier to settle an excited Chi that sits on command. A good sit can make it easier to snap a leash on a bouncing Chi's collar or keep your Chi from jumping up with muddy paws on your clean slacks. And, being able to give your Chi the “Sit” command while feeding her dinner prevents many spills.

Free Shaping the Sit

If you choose to use the free shaping method of teaching the sit, you will need to carefully watch for each and every opportunity you might have to catch your Chi in a sit. You'll also want to carry a clicker (if you're using this training tool) and a concealed favorite toy or bag of treats with you whenever you are with your Chihuahua. You need to be prepared to reinforce this behavior at any moment.

As soon as your Chi sits fully and squarely on her haunches, say “Sit,” then click and reward. Because you are only clicking and rewarding when you catch your Chi in a full sit, you can't do any immediate repetitions. You'll need to wait for the next opportunity. After you've been able to click and reward your Chi's sits for a day or two, then you can say “Sit” when your Chi is almost all the way in a sit. As soon as her haunches are on the floor in a full sit, click and reward.

Your next step will be to give the “Sit” command when your Chi is starting to sit and then click and reward when she hits the full sit. Next, you would give the command when your Chi is close to you and has her full attention on you. When she sits squarely, then click and reward. At this point, you can now begin repetitions as opposed to waiting for the moment.

Using Lures

If you are taking a training class, your instructor is likely to use the food lure method of shaping the sit. You'll take your Chi gently by the collar to hold her in front of you. In your other hand, you'll have a treat. Take this treat and slowly move it from the tip of her nose, between her eyes and over the dome of her head. As she rocks back for the treat (she can't step backward because you're gently restraining her) she will fold into a sit. As soon as she is in the correct position, give the command “Sit” and immediately click and reward. Repeat this exercise until your Chi is easily rocking back. Repeat eleven out of twelve reps.

Next, still using the food lure, say “Sit!” as your Chi is rocking back to sit. When she is in a full sit — and only then — click and reward. Repeat this until she's correct and confident eleven out of twelve reps. Now say “Sit” when you first start moving the food lure, waiting until she gives the full sit and then click and reward.

Finally, you will only hold the treat, say “Sit,” and click and reward when she sits.