How to Teach Your Sheltie How to Sit

The Sheltie, also known as a Shetland Sheepdog, was bred as a herding dog from Border Collies and smaller, long-haired local breeds of the Shetland Islands. A typical Sheltie exhibits intelligence, loyalty and affection to its owner, although it may be shy with strangers. Shelties enjoy a reputation of being easy to train, so teaching your Sheltie to sit should be a rewarding and fairly easy endeavor.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold a dog treat in your hand between your thumb and first finger and place your hand about 1 inch from your Sheltie's nose. If your dog tends to back up to see the treat, try beginning with your dog backed up against the wall. If your dog moves forward toward you, move your hand closer to his nose.

    • 2

      Move your hand with the treat slowly up in an arc above your dog's head, forcing her to lift her head and sit back on her rump in order to follow the treat.

    • 3

      Say the command "Sit" aloud as you move the treat and your dog naturally sits.

    • 4

      Give your Sheltie the treat as soon as he reaches a sitting position. Praise your dog, petting his head and telling him that he is good to reinforce the behavior. Shelties are naturally obedient and very sensitive dogs, so harsh words and punishments are not necessary.

    • 5

      Encourage your dog to stand up again and repeat the procedure a few times until your Sheltie sits immediately as soon as you move your hand with the treat. Wait until your dog has this step completely mastered before moving on to the next step. You might have to repeat the treat-guided sitting lesson a few days in a row before your dog gets the idea.

    • 6

      Place the treat in your pocket and try the same procedure again using an empty hand instead of a hand with a treat. Remember to say "Sit," and give him the treat after he successfully sits. After he has mastered this step, you can move on to the next step of training.

    • 7

      Place your dog in the same spot where you have been doing the training. Speak the command to "Sit" without holding up your hand and see if your dog responds by sitting. If he does not sit, hold your hand up over his head about 8 to 10 inches away from his forehead, and speak the command again. Give him his treat and praise after he sits.

    • 8

      Practice delaying giving your dog his treat until a few seconds after he sits to help teach him to respond even when his treat is not visible. You can also practice commanding him to sit in different areas of the house or outside so he learns to respond no matter where you are.