The “sit” command is relatively easy for intelligent Poodles. They love the sitting posture anyways. “Sit” is a crucial Poodle training command. All dogs must learn it by heart. Thus the puppy can calm down amidst excitement and concentrate.
Regardless of age, Poodles can sit. Even a six-week-old puppy can sit. Also, senior dogs can follow your dog sitting signals on demand if they have no mobility issues. Good manners require this command, apart from maintaining complete control over the Poodle.
How to easily teach Poodles to sit?
We have laid out a comprehensive Poodle sitting guide for you.
Figure out the Poodle character
Intelligence could be a challenge for dog training instead of becoming a boon. Poodle puppies bring cuteness, high energy, and a helpful attitude to the table. However, they almost instantly become bored.
Therefore, you must devise multiple engagement methods to occupy the dog. The Poodle barely misses a thing around it. Hence, it is more likely to catch on to both good and bad behavior.
Treat disbursement
Treats are inevitable to hold Poodle’s attention. Show it to the puppy. Then, posit the treat right above his nose. Now, you have to swirl the treats backward to his ears. The treats must move close by his head.
So, the Poodle sits as treats reach a particular position. Whenever the puppy sits, say “yes” or praise him out loud. Give him the treat and reward by petting him.
Repeat the drill
Repeat these steps until the dog momentarily goes to a sitting posture trailing the treats.
Lure the Poodle
Continue the previous drill as usual. However, you must entice the Poodle with one hand while rewarding him with the other.
Challenges & proofing
Your Poodle may fail to comply with the drill. In that case, do not push the puppy into a sitting stance. Dogs learn nothing this way. Yelling and punishment breed no positive outcomes as well.Negative reinforcement only bewilders the canines. Instead, select tastier treats, including fresh meat, string cheese, hot dog, or liverwurst.
Despite using irresistible treats, you may still see no desired output whatsoever. Then, you need to examine the behavior of the dog closely.
If your dog voluntarily sits, reward it with treats and praises. Also, say the command “sit” loudly. Carry out this command repeatedly anytime you notice him sitting. Your clicker and treats do wonders together in this respect.
The dog eventually learns to sit on cue. Subsequently, try it out or proof it in diverse locations with multiple distractions. Behavior proofing guarantees predictable manners in a given setting.
Rehearse the cue
Repeat the cue as long as the Poodle can associate sitting with the treats hanging over his nose. That being done, call the dog by its name and say “sit.” Still, you must show the treats in your hand.
Repeat the drill several times while gradually phasing out the hand motion. However, you do need the treats anyways.
Practice is everything
The training session should continue throughout the day in several indoor and outdoor locations. Thus distractions come into the play to divert his attention. Put an end to the training session with a successful trial. Your patience and consistency can breed positive results.
How to practice Poodle to sit in places?
The dog eventually habituates to your verbal sitting commands. Then, you can take the exercise up a notch. What about the dog sitting in different rooms in the house and yard? Also, try this cue on him while walking the Poodle on a leash. This is the generalization of the dog command.
Besides, treats can hold his attention to training by avoiding distractions. Puppy focus is one tricky thing while you two are rolling in a buzzing street. So, treats are a good way of getting their undivided attention.
How to eliminate treats for the “sit” cue?
You can gradually phase out the treats and rewards as your Poodle understands the “sit” signal. Now you can forget the slow responses. Hence, you need to recognize and reward his quick reactions. Therefore, the dog learns to act on your command instantly.
Soon, the dog masters this training phase. The puppy does not mind occasional reinforcements and treats. However, you must continue rewarding if there are too many distractions. The sit cue should become a daily routine.
How to handle dog jumping instead of sitting?
Typically, dogs jump because you hold the treat too high above their nose. Therefore, you need to lower your treat-holding hand. Keep it closer to their nose as they follow treats up close standing.
How to stop him from backing up instead of sitting?
Dog lure placement and movement are responsible for the dog backing up. A fast-moving hand can confuse the puppy into a wild posture. You have to move your hand from his nose to his forehead slowly. Your smooth movement guarantees success.
How to prompt a disinterested dog to treats?
If treats fail to trigger the Poodle, consider a new and fresh batch of dog lures. The dog needs to feel motivated at the very outset. The best dog treats always get them a little hungry. Also, you can exercise them to arouse an appetite.