[Teresa Ford]

the Yorkie, SIT Cue
There are many methods that work. In our class which was created for small toy dogs we do this training on the floor or on a counter with excited or reactive pups. You will need: a leash, towel (or pad for the pup to sit on) a harness (step in kind preferred, because the put no pressure on the throat) very tiny treats (that you don't mind putting in your own mouth. We us real boiled chicken breast* cut into pea size bites). We use both a verbal cue and a hand motion. Choose either the floor or counter.
Lesson ONE: Teaching the cue word LOOK. Put your dog on a leash (on the harness never the collar) Put a treat in your cheek. Inside the house walk a little bit, it is ok if the pup dances and bounces around. We are teaching him the harness and leash mean LOOK AT ME, pay attention to me. Say the cue word LOOK, swing two extended fingers in an arch from the dog to your eyes. The second he makes eye contact, praise with Good Look and treat from your cheek. Repeat a dozen times at intervals during the day.
LOOK should be the first cue word a puppy is taught. It puts you in the position of the parent (PLP Provider, leader, and protector). Dogs like human children, learn best by playing follow the leader, and copying behavior) After a few days of LOOK you are ready for the cue word SIT. Every time your pup naturally sits on his own, say Good Sit. This will quickly teach him the cue word Sit.
Lesson TWO: Teaching the cue SIT on the floor. Put pup on leash walk around the house giving the cue Look a few times then, stop walking. When the pup looks at you Sit on the floor and give the new cue word SIT. He will want to climb on you and play, avoid this by either holding the harness or a short leash in one hand. Take the treat from your cheek (Hold the treat between your thumb and one finger, like you are pinching something) this is the visual cue for the cue word Sit. Point to the floor and give the word cue SIT. Move your fingers that are holding the treat, slowly toward his nose while going up so that he has to look up, go over his head he will sit if you are doing this right. The second his butt is down, praise with Good Sit and treat. Repeat this a dozen times the first day. After a few days start practicing Sit sometimes with a treat sometime with just praise. On the leash and off, and before feeding.
* cook and cut up the chicken, we put the tiny pieces in zip lock bags and feeze. only thaw what you need.