Sit is the first and most important command to teach a dog. Using treats and praise, the owner should show the treat to the dog and move it upwards as they say "sit", so the dog naturally sits to look at the treat. As the dog sits, they should praise and reward with the treat. Over time the owner can use just the word "sit" without a treat, praising and rewarding when the dog sits. Teaching sit is easy for dogs as it is natural for them, and helps the dog learn other commands from a calm, controlled position.

1. Dog Obedience The Easy Way. Step One - Sit!
You really can train your dog well, and have an obedient dog, given the right
understandings and methods.
Even if you've not had success with dog obedience training before, this is not
your fault. With the correct information on how to do it, dog training is simple,
straightforward, easy to learn and effective.
Teaching your pup to sit is his first lesson. There are several good reasons why
you should start with this command.
1, sitting comes naturally to dogs since they often sit to rest.
2, teaching the pup to sit is relatively easy, a lesson that he will learn very
quickly.
3, you will find the sit position an excellent starting point from which to teach the
other commands. When the pup is sitting, he is quiet and under control.
4, Sit is a very useful command with your dog. For example getting him to sit at
intersections when walking, can be really helpful.
Dog trainers used to advise training a dog to sit by pulling up on the leash and
pushing his bottom down. This can work, sort-of, but is not the most effective
method. Most professional dog trainers now recommend the following method
which is better.
Use small treats. With the dog standing, take one treat, show it to him in front of
his nose, then while his attention is on it, move the treat upwards and slightly
backwards, and he will naturally sit down. As he sits, say "sit", praise him a lot
and give him the treat.
He will soon associate the word "sit" with the action of sitting. This is more
effective than trying to teach him by pushing his bottom down, because then he'll
associate the action of you pushing his bottom down with sitting, which is far from
ideal as you can imagine!
Repeat this process then gradually try using just the word "sit" without showing
him the treat. Of course, praise him lots as soon as he sits when you say so.
This method will enable your dog to learn to sit easily.

2. If you want more information on dog training, we have a free video series all
about training your dog. Just go to http://www.welltraineddog.org/ fill out your
name and email, and those videos are yours, free.