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Teach Your Greyhound To “Sit” [Print This Article]
Although this article was written specifically for greyhounds, these techniques may also be used for other breeds of dogs.
Yes, greyhounds can be taught to “sit” on cue! Some folks think their greyhound never sits. For some greyhounds that might be true. However, if you watch closely, you will most likely find your greyhound in a sitting position at some point, if only for a fraction of a second!
When your greyhound has a scratch behind her ear, what position is she in? When your greyhound lies down, does her back end ever go down before her front end? When she rises from sleeping, does her front end ever rise before her back end does? If you answered yes, to any of these, then your greyhound does know how to sit!
How do we put this on cue? With each option, do not start by telling your dog to “sit.” Add the verbal cue only after the dog is getting the hang of it. Be patient and work in small increments. The “sit” does not need to happen immediately. We have a few choices:
- Capture the behavior when it occurs and reward it! If she is about to lie down, capture that brief moment when her back end goes down first, and reward. Gradually increase the time she holds that position. See if she starts holding it on her own and looking to you for that reward!
- When she is lying down, take a treat, place it in front of her nose, then very SLOWLY raise the treat up so she reaches for it. Initially, get her to lift her head just a bit to reach the treat. Gradually, raise the treat a bit higher each time until you can lure her into a sitting position.
- From a standing position, hold a treat in front of her nose. SLOWLY, lift the treat just above her nose and straight back over her head – not too high or she will jump for it. See if her rear end starts to drop a bit as her head goes up. Reward in small increments – don’t expect a “sit” immediately. If she backs up, try working against a wall or in a corner. If she still needs some assistance, you can offer some gentle guidance. As you move the treat over the head, gently move your other hand along her backside, down her thighs and to the backside of her “knees” and help guide her into a sitting position. Give her lots of rewards, praise and patience! Work in very small increments. Do not force her into a sitting position. Allow her to learn at her own pace.
Ready, set, “Sit”!
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