Did you know that teaching your dog a few basic commands isn’t just for tricks? We all want a dog that listens to us, but it’s more than just a way to impress our friends. It is also a way to keep them safe. When they know basic commands they are more likely to listen to you in a dangerous situation.

That’s why teaching your dog how to sit before crossing the road is one of the best things you can do for them.

Earlier is better

The most effective way is to start training before they are 16 weeks of age. Although, you can train them at any time, but earlier is always better. Take them for walks and cross the street while implementing sit commands and giving treats. This will give them positive reinforcement for stopping and sitting before they cross the road.

Train them to sit with a treat lure

Take a treat in your hand and how it to your dog. Then raise your hand straight up in the air in front of their nose. Your dog’s behind usually does the opposite of their nose. As you hold up the treat their bottoms will go down.

Avoid holding your hand too high above the dog’s head, as this will force him to sit too far back on their hind legs.

Place your dog directly in front of you and then raise your hand up and back toward his tail. This motion should cause your dog to sit down so that he can follow the treat with his nose. Be sure to say “sit” while you are raising the treat. Continue practicing until your dog will sit on command, without the need for a treat.

Work with your dog daily in 5 to 15-minute sessions.

Move the training outside to the road.

Finally, once they have learned the sit command pretty well it’s time to move the training outside. Find a street that is not too busy. Or even a park with paved trails would work too.

Anytime you have to cross a street, no matter if a car is coming or not stop at the curb and tell your dog to sit. Pause for a few seconds.

Give them praise and move on. You can go back and forth crossing the same street or continue your walk and do this at every cross. Pretty soon your dog will naturally start to sit next to you when you stop at the curb before crossing.

The keys to success in teaching your dog commands are patience, practice, praise, and persistence. When training your dog, every step he takes in the right direction should be rewarded as though they had just won the lottery. These commands will keep your dog safe and impress everyone around!