- Pointers have been bred to completely focus on an object that interests them. Find out what interests the pointer, such as a squeaky toy or a special treat. Adult pointers that have been trained to hunt will go into a point. This is OK.
- Once you have the pointer's attention, raise your hand with the item up over the dog's nose and slightly back toward the rear. The pointer should be so focused on following the object that he will go into a sit in order to better lift his head up. As the rump is going down, say, "Sit" and then give the dog the object as a reward when the sit is achieved.
- Pair the verbal command to sit with taking a step back. This time, only reward the dog when he stays still in the sit position while you are moving back. You can pair this stepping back with a command "Stay" or "Wait" if that helps you remember. Every couple of training sessions, move back one more step. You can also vary the training by walking completely around the dog and giving a reward only when he keeps on sitting.
- Pointers are high-energy dogs that need to be exercised every day. If not, they become too full of energy to pay attention to you. Having a pointer spayed or neutered will also make a dog less likely to be distracted by other dogs and pay more attention to you. You can start these lessons inside the house, then move out to the yard with a lead on and eventually take the lead off when he sits and stays consistently.
