How to Train a Poodle Puppy to Sit Down

We all want to own well-mannered dogs that will sit on command. However, it's up to you to make this possible by putting some effort into basic puppy training. Teaching your poodle puppy to sit will be the first obedience command he or she will learn and will become a building block for many more to come. Fortunately, poodles are eager to learn and easy to train. In fact, you can expect your poodle puppy to master this simple command in about one week.

Things You'll Need

  • Three to five small soft puppy treats per session

Instructions

  1. Teach Your Poodle Puppy the Sit Command

    • 1

      Plan to introduce the sit command to your poodle puppy at around 8 weeks of age. It's not a good idea to attempt it earlier since puppies younger than 8 weeks are usually still navigating the world based solely on an instinctive drive to have their basic needs met by their mother.

    • 2

      Keep in mind that there are three basic components that accompany teaching every command. In sequential order, these are: Simultaneously demonstrating the verbal command and hand signal, immediately marking the accomplishment, and reinforcing the behavior with a food reward. Timing is everything when it comes to marking and rewarding.

    • 3

      Capture your puppy's attention by holding a treat in front of his or her nose to sniff. It's OK to permit a little lick or nibble, if this helps to generate interest.

    • 4

      Stand or sit directly in front of your poodle puppy with the same treat in one hand held just over his or her head. This should prompt your puppy to look up.

    • 5

      Encourage your puppy to raise his or her nose toward the target by moving the treat toward the back of his or her head. This should cause your puppy to sit down in order to maintain balance.

    • 6

      Mark the behavior as soon as your puppy completes a sit with an enthusiastic, "Yes!" or "Good sit!" Don't delay this step since the window of opportunity for your puppy to make the connection between marking and performance is only open for a few seconds.

    • 7

      Count silently to yourself for three seconds. Then immediately reward your poodle puppy by releasing the treat while he or she is still in a sitting position.