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Originally Posted by QuickSilver

It may take QUITE a while. You can try a couple things:

- when you have a training session with treats, don't hold the treat in your hand. Have him perform the command, which may take a bit longer if he doesn't see the treat. When he does, give a praise phrase like 'Good Boy!'. When you use this phrase consistently, he will know he's done something right and might get a treat! Then immediately after saying 'Good Boy', give him the treat. This will teach him he should listen to you because there MIGHT be treats around.

- Give him these commands in consistent places, say, every time you cross the streeet, or before he goes through a door, or gets his food. It takes a lot of repetition. Thor will often just Sit in these situations anyway because he's used to it.

- Once he's really consistent, gradually phase out the treats, but never stop giving them completely. You always want him to think there's a chance he might get one.

Thank you so much for this post and this answer!! I just got finished with one of Tyler's training sessions and was trying to get him to sit without showing him the treat. Glad to know it will take some time and that I'm not doing anything wrong. We are STILL on sit!! LOL