How to Train a Basset Hound Puppy to Sit and Stay

Teaching a basset hound puppy to sit isn't all that hard. The sit command is one of the first commands most people teach their dog, and it comes in handy when you need to get your dog under control. Teaching the stay command is a little more difficult than teaching sit, but it is still an easy command you can teach a puppy. Like sit, the stay command can help you control your dog, and in many cases protect him from danger.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
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Instructions

  1. Teaching Sit

    • 1

      Say sit to your dog calmly and clearly.

    • 2

      Hold a treat between you thumb and fingers. Keep the treat about 1 inch from your dog's nose.

    • 3

      Hold the treat above your dog's nose and start moving the treat back toward the top of her head, so she has to look up toward the ceiling to see the treat. This motion should cause your dog to put her rear end on the floor.

    • 4

      Give your dog the treat right away when her rear end touches the floor. Praise her so she knows she did what you wanted her to do.

    • 5

      Encourage your dog to stand up. Then, repeat steps one through four again. Keep repeating steps one through four until your dog automatically sits when you give her the command.

    • 6

      Perform the steps again, but now stop holding the treat above your dog's head, and just hold your hand (without the treat) in the position you were using when you held the treat. When you dog complies give her a treat from your pocket, or a nearby treat container.

    • 7

      Slowly phase out the hand cues, by increasing the distance at which you hold your hand. Also, decrease the amount you move your hand. Eventually, you won't use your hand at all to give the sit command. Remember, while teaching sit you need to reward after each successful attempt.

    Teaching Stay

    • 8

      Tell your dog to sit. When she sits, tell her to stay and put your palm up in front of her nose. Reward her with a treat and praise if she stays put. Do this in a quiet, distraction free room.

    • 9

      Keep your dog in the sit position for a few seconds after giving her the treat and praise. Then, give her permission to get up. You can do this with a word of your choosing. For instance, you can say "Done" or "Ok." Don't interact with her until she gets up.

    • 10

      Repeat steps one and two until you feel your dog understands what you want from her. Little by little, increase the amount of time between saying stay and giving her the treat and praise. Start with a few seconds, and increase it by five seconds each time you add more time.

    • 11

      Tell your dog to sit, ask her to stay, and give her the hand signal. This time take one step away from your dog.

    • 12

      Give your dog a treat and praise if she stays put when you move away. Make sure to do it quickly. Afterward, give her a mini break by telling her she is done. Wait until she gets up and moves around for a few seconds before you repeat the exercise.

    • 13

      Take another step back every time it seems your dog accepts more distance. Quickly return to deliver treats and praise after your dog stays put when you move away. Remember to allow her a mini break in between each attempt.

    • 14

      Gradually add distractions into the equation. For instance, start in a empty room, just the two of you. Then, add in some extra people or noises. Eventually, move to the outdoors. Stick to 10 reps each training session, so you do not burn your dog out or loose her attention.