Of all the tricks to teach your dog, sit has to be the very basic. Teaching your dog to sit on command is extremely helpful later on. For example, if you dog is misbehaving, and jumping up on your guests, simply tell him to sit, and hopefully he will obey and settle down (teaching down also has a similar benefit, making the dog less likely to bark and make noise).
Clicker Method
Throughout the entire tricks section, I use the clicker method for training dogs. The clicker method, in my opinion, is the best method available to use, because it enables the dog to know exactly what it is being treated for. Also, the clicker method lets children and multiple people train the animal, making it incredibly "user friendly." For more on this, please see THE CLICKER METHOD.
The Need To Know
Teaching sit is pretty easy to do; I taught my dog the very first day I got him when he was only a couple months old. The first thing to do is wait. That's right, don't do anything, just keep your clicker ready and wait for your dog to sit by himself. As soon as his rear end touches the floor, press in your clicker and give him a treat. Do this a few times until he will start sitting pretty frequently. Now when he sits, say the command, "Sit!" After three or four successful attempts you can try saying the command when the dog is standing. If you sits on command, great! Mission Accomplished. But if he doesn't, don't worry, he will get the hang of it pretty soon.
Problems And Discouragements
Almost none - I didn't have many problems. Its pretty straightforward, just click the clicker when the dog sits.
