Dog Training 101: How to Train Your Dog to Stand Up

A standing dog is exciting and useful.  If you need to give him a bath or take him to a dog grooming salon, your life will be much easier if your dog can stand on command.

Step 1:

First start off with your dog sitting.  You can teach your dog to sit using the previous article.  You need to do this trick without a leash, so make sure you are in a confined area free of distractions. 

Step 2:

Hold a treat above his nose and place your other hand under your dog’s chest.  Say ‘Stand’ or ‘Up’.  Put your hands under his elbows and slowly lift your dog onto his hind legs without giving him the treat.  Set him down and give him the treat.  Repeat multiple times.

Step 3:

Your dog should start to get up with less and less force from your hand.  With each repetition, use less pressure until he stands without you pushing him up.  Repeat this multiple times.

Step 4:

Next, do the trick without food in your hand.  Just put your hand above his nose and say ‘Stand’.  Repeat multiple times.

Step 5:

Next, try standing farther and farther away, using less hand motions, but still saying ‘Stand’.  Your dog will eventually stand on his own to your command.  Make sure to reward him with food and praise.

Step 6:

Like the other tricks before, slowly add distractions so your dog learns to obey you with commotion in the background.  You can do this by having a friend make noise on the other side of the yard, or by placing a toy on the other end. 

Be patient as this trick can take a couple of days to master.  It will be worth it in the end!