How to Teach a Dog to Sit Pretty

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By MommyTeach
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You sit soo pretty! Good Boy!

Have you ever seen a dog sitting on his bottom with his front paws up. It is so cute, and it is called "Sitting pretty."
From my simple instructions you too will be able to teach your dog how to do this.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

your dog
some time
patience
treats that he likes
ability to move your hand

Step 1

First call your dog over and have him sit in front of you. Be sure to have some treats close by within reach and have one in your left or right hand whichever feels more comfortable.
Step 2

Now, slowly wave your hand holding the piece of treat with your thumb up against your palm facing the dog so he smells it and puts his snout up to your palm to try and eat it out of your hand, and see if he will sit up so that he is almost standing but has his bottom on the floor.
Step 3

While doing that, say, "Sit pretty," in a loving, calm and assertive way. If your dog gets up on his hind legs, do not reward him with the treat. Instead, say, "No," in a gentle manner, and continue step two again beginning with the command to "sit."
Step 4

Instead of standing over your dog which may be menacing to him, try crouching a little while doing this and being on his level but giving him an order that he needs to follow in order to get the treat. Look in his eyes to show him that you are serious about teaching him this new trick.
Step 5

The first couple times, or days, your dog may just sit pretty to get the treat. Eventually as you practice with him, pretty soon, just with the motion: slow wave of your hand with the palm facing your dog and later, just by the command your dog will begin to sit pretty for you.
Have fun with this. Dogs love being challenged!