Now that he comes to you, you do not want him to jump up on you, nor do you want him to cower in response to your "don't do that" if he gets excited while training. So lets learn to Sit.
If you are using food for an incentive then give these steps a try.
First position yourself so that you are in front of him, and then show him the treat you are holding between your thumb and forefinger.
Then when you have his attention, lift up your hand and move it just over his head, so that he has to look up and his rear end has to move toward the ground.
When his rear meets the ground, Say "Sit," immediately release the treat so that he can eat it, and praise him as thought it was his idea: "G-O-O-O-OD Sit"
If he decides not to sit the next time around, or he backs up a bit instead of sitting his butt on the floor, move your hand toward you so that he voluntarily comes forward toward the treat again, then repeat the first 2 instructions.
If he begins to jump or lunge, calmly move the treat much farther above his head, and when he "comes down" from his leap, bring the treat closer, (this reinforceds his movement down), and repeat the first instructions. Be sure to praise his compliance.
If you have a stubborn dog, you can give a gentle push to his rump and as soon as his rear hits the ground, say sit and give him a treat and praise.
Remember do not constantly say the command. As soon as he has it figured out, he will try to get the treat with out sitting the first time. Just hold your stance and wait, he will get it usually fairly quickly.
I like to use some sort of hand motion with each command for many different reasons, some dogs just respond better, but when they are in a location with a lots of noise they can see what they are supposed to do not just hear it. Also when they get older and lose their hearing, hand signals become a necessity.
I hope you are doing well with your training and your pet.
Good Luck
Susan
KCPS
