How to Teach Your Beagle to Sit

While dog training experts classify beagles in the hard to train category, many dog owners report successful results with teaching their beagles simple skills, such as the "sit" command. By nature stubborn and mischievous, beagles perform well with consistent and patient training. Use a positive approach and make sure to have plenty of food rewards on hand. Start training to "sit" when the puppy passes the six-month mark.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Set a time for the training. Make sure it doesn't conflict with the dog's normal schedule of eating, playing or eliminating.

2. Plan to spend at least five and no more than ten minutes each day in training. Move to a quiet room without distractions.

3. Tie the dog's collar to his leash. Have him stand along your side.

4. Hold a piece of food directly over the dog's head. Make sure the dog focuses on the food.

5. Move your hand with the food towards the dog's back and say, "sit." As the dog's head follows the food, his body lowers into a sitting position.

6. Offer the food as a reward if the dog sits. Otherwise, repeat Steps 4 and 5 until the dog automatically goes into the sitting position.

7. Complete the training with a slight revision. Offer the food and say, "sit" without moving your hand. Tug lightly on the dog's leash if he doesn't sit after a few seconds. Praise him immediately when he does.

Tips & Warnings

• Beagles tire more easily than other dogs. If your puppy begins to tire or get bored, it's time to stop.
• Watch your own endurance during the training. If you start to get tired or frustrated, stop training and play with the dog for a minute or two.