“Sit”
“Sit” is a great command. Use it to stop your dog from jumping up on people, to wait politely while you finish a conversation with someone, or to prevent your Lab from mauling you before you set down his dinner dish. “Sit” is also the easiest command to teach, so it's a good one to start with. When you have success with it, you'll be confident enough to move on to other commands.
How to Start
To begin teaching the “Sit” command, stash some training treats (remember, tiny and smelly) in your pockets or nearby where you have easy access to them. Take one treat in your hand and hold it just in front of your Lab's nose. Slowly move your hand upward. As your Lab's nose follows the trajectory of the treat, his rear should start to go down. As soon as he's in a sitting position, give him the treat and say “Good sit!” Always use an enthusiastic tone of voice when you praise your Lab.
Repeat the above scenario three to five times. Any more than that and your Lab may get bored. Wait an hour or so, and have another short training session. You can have lots of five-minute training sessions every day.
Ignoring your dog when he doesn't respond to a command is one way of giving a correction. Another way is to teach your dog a word or sound that means “Wrong, try again.” Whatever word you choose, say it in a neutral tone of voice. Avoid using the word “No,” which has a negative tone and can discourage your Lab from trying again.
As your Lab begins to get the idea, start giving the verbal command without the hand signal. Give the command only once. If your Lab doesn't respond, walk away. Don't scold him, just leave. Wait a few minutes, and repeat the command. Every time he responds on the first command, give the treat and lots of excited praise.
Teaching “Sit” with a Clicker
Can you teach the “Sit” command using a clicker? Absolutely! Any time you see your Lab sitting, click and treat. Wait to add a verbal command or hand signal (a raised hand) until your dog is sitting every time he realizes you have a treat in your hand. Just before he sits, give the command: “Sit!”
Once your dog understands that the word “Sit” and the action of sitting are linked, begin rewarding only the sits that you ask for. Again, if he doesn't perform on the first try, don't repeat the command. Walk away.
Practicing the “Sit” Command
When your Lab starts getting good at the “Sit” command, raise the stakes. Reward only the fastest or the straightest sits. Step away from him and expect him to remain in place. Gradually increase the distance you move from him until he remains sitting even if you leave the room.
A 5½-year-old female black Lab awaits the next command.
Practice sits in different parts of the house. You don't want your Lab to associate the command with only one place. It's especially important to teach him to sit at the front door, in the kitchen before giving a meal, and out in public (the checkout line at the pet supply store, for instance). To increase the length of a sit, start to wait a beat before clicking. Gradually increase the amount of time between the sit and the click.
When should you not teach the “Sit” command?
If you plan to show your Lab in conformation, some people recommend against teaching the “Sit” command. Dogs aren't supposed to sit in the show ring, and some dogs make that very mistake because they're used to sitting when their people are otherwise occupied.
