How to Train a Sheltie Puppy to Sit

The Shetland sheepdog is an intelligent and affectionate breed, but some Shelties can be wary around strangers or exhibit a tendency towards herding people or other animals. If your Sheltie puppy barks or nips, teaching her to sit on command can help you curb those behaviors. Sitting often is one of the commands taught to puppies when they begin obedience training. Shelties excel in obedience and are willing to listen to their owners, according to the American Kennel Club.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Say "sit" and hold a treat about one inch from your Sheltie's nose. Move your hand slowly up and over your puppy's head. As she lifts her head up to follow the treat, she'll wind up sitting down. Praise your Sheltie and give her a treat as soon as she sits. If you wait too long, she won't associate sitting with the rewards she's getting.

    • 2

      Repeat the oral command and guide your Sheltie into a sitting position with the treat. Reward her with the treat and praise each time she sits. This method, known as positive reinforcement, helps her associate performing a certain behavior (sitting) with a desirable outcome (treats and praise). Practice this procedure several times throughout the day to help your puppy become familiar with the command.

    • 3

      Hide a treat in one hand. Do not put anything in the hand you've been using to get your Sheltie to sit. Say "sit," hold your empty hand about an inch from your puppy's nose and move it up and over her head until she sits. Give your Sheltie the treat you've been hiding and praise her the moment she sits.

    • 4

      Repeat giving the oral command and moving your empty hand to help your Sheltie sit. Praise her and give her a treat as soon as she sits.

    • 5

      Say "sit" and hold your empty hand about 10 inches above your Sheltie's face. Don't move your hand unless your puppy doesn't sit after a few seconds. If she needs help, use smaller motions when moving your hand over her head to guide her to a sitting position. Praise her as soon as she sits. Start rewarding her with treats randomly instead of giving her one each time.

    • 6

      Repeat the oral command and hold your empty hand still while your Sheltie sits.

    • 7

      Give the "sit" command while keeping your hands at your sides. Your Sheltie should respond to the oral command without needing other prompting. Praise her immediately when she sits. Gradually phase out the treat rewards by offering fewer treats during training sessions. Your ultimate goal is to have your puppy sit on command without your using a hand signal and rewarding her with praise only--no treats.