I'm a certified dog trainer with years of experience in teaching various dog behaviors, and I'm here to help you with your dog's training. Teaching your dog to sit pretty is a fun and rewarding activity that can be broken down into several steps. Here's a detailed guide to help you get started:

### Introduction to Training
Before we dive into the specifics of teaching your dog to sit pretty, it's important to understand the basics of dog training. Positive reinforcement is key to successful training. This means rewarding your dog for good behavior rather than punishing for bad behavior. Consistency and patience are also crucial. Dogs learn best when the training is consistent and when they are given time to understand and respond to commands.

### Preparing Your Dog
Step 1: Choose the Right Treat
Select a high-value treat that your dog loves. This will serve as a powerful motivator for your dog to perform the desired behavior.

Step 2: Create a Calm Environment
Find a quiet, distraction-free area where you can work with your dog without interruptions.

Step 3: Get Your Dog's Attention
Before starting the training, make sure you have your dog's attention. Use a familiar command like "look at me" or simply call your dog's name.

### Teaching the Sit Command
Step 4: Teach the Basic Sit
Before you can teach your dog to sit pretty, they need to know the basic sit command. Hold a treat near your dog's nose and slowly move it upwards and backwards, prompting your dog to sit. Once they sit, say "yes" and give them the treat.

Step 5: Reinforce the Sit Command
Practice the sit command several times until your dog consistently responds to it.

### Teaching the Pretty Command
Step 6: Introduce the Pretty Position
Once your dog is comfortable with the sit command, you can introduce the pretty position. Take a treat and hold it just barely above his nose and raise the treat slowly. As your dog rises to get the treat, his front feet should come off the ground.

Step 7: Praise and Reward
When your dog's front feet come off the ground and they are in the pretty position, praise them enthusiastically and give them the treat. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to repeat the behavior.

Step 8: Increase the Difficulty
Continue raising the treat higher so your dog stretches further until they are completely sitting on their hind haunches. Remember to praise and reward at each stage.

Step 9: Add the Command
Once your dog is consistently sitting pretty, you can start adding the verbal command "pretty." Say "pretty" as you raise the treat, and reward your dog when they respond correctly.

Step 10: Practice and Consistency
Practice the pretty command several times a day, gradually reducing the use of treats and relying more on verbal praise and affection as rewards.

Step 11: Proofing the Behavior
Finally, expose your dog to various environments and distractions to proof the behavior. This will ensure that your dog can perform the pretty command reliably in any situation.

### Conclusion
Teaching your dog to sit pretty is a process that requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By following these steps and rewarding your dog for good behavior, you can successfully teach them this adorable trick. Remember, every dog is different, and some may take longer to learn than others. Always be patient and supportive throughout the training process.

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Take a treat and hold just barely above his nose and raise the treat slowly. As your dog rises to get the treat, his front feet should come off the ground. At that point, praise and give him the treat. Continue raising the treat higher so your dog stretches further until he is completely sitting on his hind haunches.Aug 13, 2015read more >>