As mentioned in “Take the A Train,” Dobermans have the ability to distinguish between different situations of training. If your dog is taught to sit only on tile, she may think that sitting can only occur on tile. Vary her surroundings so she learns that “sit” refers to planting the rump on tile, grass, carpeting, sidewalks—wherever she is.
Always begin any training with a healthy, rested, relaxed, fed dog. Keep handy a few small treats, each about the size of a dime. This way, your dog will not receive excess calories and will not be as likely to respond only when offered food.
There are two ways to teach “sit.” One is to catch your dog in the act of sitting, and to say “sit” while he is doing it, followed by praise and a treat. Although Dobermans are good at picking up on this association, you may not be able to catch him in the act enough times in quick succession to reinforce the command.
The other way is to make her sit and then associate the action with the word. First, leash your dog. Gently push on the hindquarters above the tail while holding the leash taut and close (without pulling forward) and saying “sit” firmly but pleasantly.
“Sit” should be said in a commanding, but not disciplinary tone. People who try to train their dogs in a pleasant, sing-songy tone will find that Dobermans do not take them seriously. It should be “Sit,” not, “Sit?” phrased like a question with a rising tone at the end.
Once his rump hits the floor, praise him, “Good dog! Good sit!” so that he associates “good” with “sit.” Give him a treat while still sitting. If necessary, hold his rump down while he eats it. Since you’re offering a tiny treat, this shouldn’t take long.
Repeat the process four times and then end the session. Do one session every day, and your Doberman should catch on within a few days.
Don’t worry if your Doberman doesn’t stay down very long. Puppies are especially prone to springing right back up. You can train for the “stay” command after he masters “sit.”
Some Dobermans assume that since they’re good dogs when they sit, that they can worm their way out of a scolding if they sit right after misbehaving! (“Good dogs are sitting dogs”). That is how strong they associate commands, behavior, and praise.
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