How do I train my 8 month old dog to sit?

Question

How do I get my 8 month old Newfoundland to sit? She is not interested in treats or toys during training...?

I have been trying to get her to Sit, by having her on a leash, taking a treat, and running my hand palm up with the treat just over the top of her head. She glances up, but won't follow it to where I can get her to "sit." I also have tried a toy instead, but she just looks up for a half-second and then just looks ahead. I've also tried being in front of her and on her side (in the "heal" position). In addition, I've tried backing her against the wall. We would have done it sooner - but we just got her three weeks ago.

In short, I can't get her to sit unless I give her a push on her legs from behind basically (I can't push on her back because she is a giant breed). :(

Also - She can do the down command. And, sometimes, she'll just go right to the "lay down."

Any other ideas?

Answer 1

Hello,

First, i wouldnt recommend pushing her butt down/back/hips down!!!. You could definitely injure her growing bones as a puppy. I know it's tempting when they don't listen though.
I know you mentioned she isn't enticed with treats or anything.
You definitely need to find something that she likes, some suggestions: boiled chicken/turkey. I wouldnt use sausage or greasy things, they will tend to upset the belly.
I ve found the best way to teach the sit is to make sure you have her full attention, not when she's hyper cause then she wont listen well. Maybe after a short walk/nap.
Sit down with her, hold the chicken/turkey over her head. Literally right above her head, she she can't move except to go down in a sit and of course say the word sit, so she can associate the word with the action. It may take time, but work with her every day 5 minutes a day..2 times a day. She'll get the hang of it.

good luck.

Answer 2

Get hold of a high-value treat. A piece of sausage or some peanut butter will work if she's not interested in regular dog treats. Then, put her on a short leash - short enough that she can't run away, but long enough that she can stand and sit. Stand on the leash instead of holding it so that you have both hands free

Let her smell the good stuff in your hand. Then raise your closed fist in a vertical line so she looks up. At the same time, push on her legs to get her to sit (if she doesn't sit automatically when she looks up). Once she sits, say "Sit" very clearly and loudly. Then, praise and reward.

Answer 3

Whenever she sits on her own, give her the command "sit". Give her lots of verbal and petting praise even though she just did it on her own. I also had to physically help a great dane pup that I had but she eventually got the idea and learned to sit. Even though I've always had dogs that were treat whores, I didnt always use treats and they stil performed their commands. Maybe your could try a different treat or just resign yourself to the fact that shes not treat motivated. Are you the only one doing the training? If not, make sure everyone is using the same words for commands so the dog isnt confused about what you are asking her to do.

Answer 4

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://bitly.im/aMUzR

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 5

You mentioned she doesnt like treats, but have you tried real food, like maybe a little peice of chicken? Chicken won't hurt her, and I dont know any animal that will turn down some chicken lol. Try a little peice and see if that works. If not, the only other option would be to keep doing what you are doing and try lots of praise in a really excited tone. It may take a little bit of time, but she will get the hand of it :) I've had tons of dogs over my lifetime, and with some patience and lots of praise and consistensy, they all learned sit :) Good luck!

Answer 6

Get a pack of hot dogs and cut them up in small bite size pieces. The dog has to like the treat before she will figure out what its for.
Command the dog to sit, and push her rear end down gently into the sitting position. Immediately give her a bite of hot dog and keep her in the sitting position until she knows why she is there.
She is still a puppy, so you will have to work and work and work on this.

Answer 7

ok then push her back legs down and continue to say sit after about 30 seconds while holding her in that position slip the treat in her mouth and say good sit. Dont keep repating this activity because shes young and will get confused easily.

Answer 8

You need to say sit once then gently put your hand on butt
and push to a sit.Say good sit ,then give a treat.If you work
on this command everyday then she will learn.
Have her to lay down then go into a sit possition.
Give her the treat when she sits only.Too many commands
can confuse the dog work on sit first,then down.
Always tell them good dog!!!When they obey and do
what you said.

Answer 9

always give her a treat and what helped me was i got a vidoe of a dog sittingdown and replayed it when my dog watched then she had the idea that she got a treat when she did it right so just start out giving big treats and at the end the dog wont need a treat at all just decrease the sixe of the treat till its just like 1 piece of food or somthing like that

Answer 10

push her backside down....then when she sits give her a treat and praise her also say sit a long time.....hope it works....it did for me..also, doggy school will help and you can go get a clicker and everytime she gets it right click it and treat her and she will know that the click is good and if you keep the clicker on you you can randomly click and she will know she has done good.