Border Collie Rescue - On Line - Universal Commands - Sit

Universal Commands - Sit

The "Sit" command. One of the key commands that should be taught early in training.

In Border Collie Rescue all verbal commands used are accompanied by hand signals which serve to emphasise and compliment the instruction.
This is of great benefit when training deaf dogs, dogs with learning difficulties and dogs with short attentions spans.

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Holding your arm straight down at your side you raise the forearm and hand from the elbow, palm up, above dogs head.

Dogs should be taught to sit as a first priority, although many dogs coming through already have this as a verbal command and we just need to add the hand signal when we use it until they get the idea. If the dog is not used to the command or is stubborn, encouragement will be needed.
Pressure on the rear end is common practice, but is often met with resistance. Dominant dogs will even bite or snap.

The hand signal has a role in training.
A treat can be held and as the signal is used and the treat raised above the dogs head it will be encouraged to look up at the potential reward.
By moving or leaning forward at this point, the dog is going to have to either step back or lower its backside in order to keep an eye on the treat. Frequently the dogs attention is so intense it will automatically lower its backside, so insert the verbal command as it does.

If it moves back, stop and move back yourself and try again.
On successful conclusion the dog should be praised but not given the treat every time it gets it right.

A dog should be taught to sit and stay in position until told to do something else. It should also be taught to sit at a distance.

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If you are interested in adopting a Border Collie from us, please phone 0845 604 4941 during office hours.
(2 pm to 5 pm Tuesdays to Thursdays)

Please do not write to us or email us about adoption - we want to speak to you before we start the process.