The 'Sit' Command

The sit and stay command is a really useful dog training technique that is a great tool to have when you are out walking your dog or puppy.

Listed below we have compiled a step by step guide to getting your dog sit and stay.

You should start the training process in a quiet place in the House where there won't be any interruptions.

You should aim to keep the training session short but fun so that your dog won't lose his attention span - about 15 mins for this training command is ideal - so lets get started!

1. You should start by facing your dog and move away keeping the dog leash in your left hand and a nice treat in your right hand.

2. You should keep calm so that you don't get your dog excited - and ask your dog to come to you but using the treat as a lure.

3. When your dog has come to you - you should slowly move his treat over the top of his head. By doing this your dog's eyes will automatically follow the treat.

4. As your dog continues to watch the treat go over his head his legs will automatically bend as he does this.

5. Your dog will bend his legs and then sit - as soon as you see your dog bend his legs you should repeat the 'sit' command.

As we are using positive reinforcement and reward based training give your dog lots of praise and a treat as soon as your dog has positioned himself in the 'sit' position.

After a period of time when you have both practiced this basic dog training command you can then start to reduce the rewards but continue with the praise.

'Sit' and 'Stay'

Now we have mastered the 'Sit' stage we need to train your dog to 'Stay'.

1. Now your dog should be in the sit position - you will need a long dog leash or even better a telescoped leash. You should also have a treat in your right hand.

2. Keep the tension on the leash and take a step forward using your right foot. As you do this you should repeat the stay command.

3. Your left leg should be now next to your dog's front legs and your right leg slightly forward - about shoulder width apart.

4. Now you should move your left leg so that it now joins your right leg. Remember to keep eye contact with your dog at all times.

5. Now with the leash held above your dog's head you should turn and face your dog. Keep your dog's attention by holding the treat up high.

You should now be standing about one pace away from your dog with the leash held vertically above your dog's head.

6. Now reward your dog for remaining in the 'Sit' position and staying there without moving forward.

7. Now still holding the dog leash vertically above your dog's head - walk around your dog in a circle. Don't issue any commands as this will only confuse your dog.

8. After you and your dog have practiced this basic dog training command several times your dog should sit and stay while still attached to the leash.

9. After you feel that your dog has mastered this training technique by remaining exactly where he was when you started you can start dropping the leash by your dog's side and practicing it without holding the leash.

Continue each step exactly the same as you did when you were holding the leash.

10. After you have finished the training session and your dog is sitting in the 'Stay' position with the leash by your dog's side - you can now reward your dog with the treat and lots of praise.

Now you have finished the training session let your dog know that the session has ended by opening your arms wide and repeating 'OK' to your dog for a job well done.

Although this is quite basic dog training you never know when you might need it especially if your dog was to suddenly run off - thats when the training really counts!