Quick Answer: Hold a small high-value treat at your dog's nose and slowly arc it backward over their head. As their nose tracks the treat upward, their bottom naturally lowers to the ground. The instant their bottom touches — say 'yes' clearly and deliver the treat. Repeat 5-10 times per session. Add the word 'sit' once they're doing the motion reliably without needing to see the treat first.
Why Luring Works
Luring uses your dog's natural follow-the-food instinct to create the physical movement you want. The dog is never confused, never corrected, and learns quickly because every correct movement is rewarded immediately. Most dogs learn a reliable sit in 2-3 sessions using this method.
Common Mistakes
- Moving the treat too fast — slow arc means more time for the body to follow
- Rewarding late — the treat must arrive within 2 seconds of the sit
- Sessions too long — 5 minutes for puppies, 10 for adults. End before they're bored.
- Saying 'sit' while luring before they understand the behavior — add the word after, not during learning
End Session Reward
A frozen lick mat at the end of a training session creates a powerful positive association with working with you. Dogs who get a lick mat after training sessions look forward to training.
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