Training your dog is a deeply rewarding experience that lays the foundation for a lifetime of happiness, love, and safety. Teaching commands like “sit,” “down,” and “stay” not only ensures good behavior at home but also helps your dog become a good canine citizen in public. This guide presents 21 essential dog commands to teach your furry best friend, starting with basic commands and progressing to more advanced tricks. Consistent practice, aiming for two to three 10-15 minute sessions daily, will help your dog master these commands within a couple of weeks, setting you both up for success.
A dog looking attentively at its owner while being trained
Foundational Commands for Daily Life
These commands are crucial for everyday interactions and safety.
1. Sit
The quintessential command, “sit,” is fundamental for daily use, whether greeting guests or receiving a treat. To teach this, hold a treat above your dog’s head, moving it slowly backward. As they crouch, say “sit” and reward them.
2. Watch Me
“Watch Me” is invaluable in distracting environments. To train this, hold a treat near your dog’s nose, then slowly move it towards your face. When the treat is near your nose, say “watch me” and reward your pup. This helps redirect their attention when needed, such as when cars pass by or squirrels dart across their path.
A dog looking directly at the camera, signifying the 'Watch Me' command
3. Down
While slightly more challenging, “down” is an important command for managing excitement and promoting calm behavior. Hold a strong-smelling treat in front of your dog. As they lean in to smell it, lower the treat to the floor. When their belly touches the ground, say “down” and give them the treat.
A dog in a relaxed 'down' position
4. Stay
Arguably the most critical command for safety, “stay” needs to be taught early. Start with your dog in a sit position. Slowly back away, and if they move towards you, say “no,” have them sit again, and then say “stay.” Reward them when they hold the position, then say “come.” Consistent practice is key to mastering this command, which can be crucial for their safety and the safety of others.
A dog holding a 'stay' position patiently
5. Wait
Similar to “stay,” “wait” is specifically for managing excitement when people enter your home. It prevents your dog from rushing the door. Ideally, train this with two people: one outside the door, the other inside with the dog. The person outside opens the door. As the dog moves, the person inside says “wait” as the door closes. Repeat this, rewarding the dog for remaining still. This command is essential for polite greetings and can be learned by teaching your dog how to roll over and other fun tricks.
A dog patiently waiting at a doorway
6. Come
For your dog’s safety, “come” should be one of the first commands taught. It can prevent them from running into dangerous situations. With your dog on a leash, say “come” while giving a light tug. Reward them generously when they approach you. This command requires consistent daily training over several weeks.
A dog eagerly running towards its owner
7. Off
“Off” is useful for keeping furniture clean and for ensuring polite behavior in other people’s homes. Hold a treat in a closed fist in front of your dog. As they try to get it, keep your fist closed. When they back down, say “off” and give them the treat. Practice this command in environments with furniture to help with association.
A dog being gently redirected away from furniture
8. Drop It
This command is vital for preventing your dog from ingesting harmful objects or damaging valuables. You’ll need two identical toys. Give your dog one toy, then present a second identical toy while saying “drop it.” When they release the first toy to take the second, praise them. This can also be adapted using a toy and a treat. Mastering “drop it” is essential and can be part of a broader set of tricks to teach your dog.
A dog dropping a toy upon command
9. Leave It
“Leave it” is invaluable on walks, preventing your dog from investigating potentially dangerous items. Hold a treat in each hand. Show your dog one treat, then close your fist around it. Keep the other treat hidden behind your back. As they show interest, say “leave it” and wait for them to lose interest in your closed fist. Reward them with the hidden treat. This command is crucial for their safety and can be reinforced through cool things to teach a dog.
A dog looking away from a treat on the floor, signifying 'leave it'
10. No
“No” is a versatile command to redirect your dog from undesirable behavior. When you see your pup starting to get into mischief, use this command. To train it, place a treat on the floor while your dog is on a leash. As they move towards it, say “no” and gently pull the leash back. Reward them with a different treat for responding.
A dog being gently corrected with a leash
11. Heel
“Heel” is crucial for establishing proper walking habits from a young age. On walks, periodically command your dog to “sit.” Show them a treat, then begin walking, keeping them close on a loose leash with the treat held above their head. Repeat “heel” and reward them. This ensures a more controlled and enjoyable walking experience for both of you.
A dog walking calmly beside its owner on a leash
12. Handle Your Business
Consistent verbal cues aid in house-training. Choose a phrase like “go potty” or “outside” and use it every time you take your dog out to relieve themselves. When they successfully go, offer enthusiastic praise and a treat. This process typically takes a few months to master.
A dog happily doing its business outdoors
Fun and Useful Tricks
Beyond basic obedience, these commands add engagement and can serve practical purposes.
13. Take It
This command is useful if you want your dog to pick up an object. Hold one of your dog’s favorite toys and a treat. Present the toy and say “take it.” Reward them with the treat once they grasp the toy. This is a good command to teach as part of tricks to teach my german shepherd.
A dog holding a toy, ready to 'take it'
14. Bed
“Bed” is a command to send your dog to their designated resting place, which should be associated with relaxation. Lead your dog to their bed on a leash, say “bed,” and reward them once they are in position. It’s important to make this a positive experience, not a punishment.
A dog resting comfortably in its bed
15. Leash
This command helps your dog navigate their leash when it gets tangled. Wrap the leash around their front paw, gradually widening the loop and pulling it towards you. As they lift their paw to free themselves, say “leash” energetically and reward them.
A dog's paw entangled in its leash
16. Lap
Teaching your dog to put their paws in your lap is a cute trick and useful for cleaning dirty paws. Sit in a chair, place your hand on your lap, and encourage your dog by patting your lap and saying “lap.” Reward them when they place their paws on your lap. This might require extra effort if your dog has been trained not to jump on people.
A dog gently placing its paws on its owner's lap
17. Speak
“Speak” can be a fun command and also helpful in locating your dog if they are out of sight. Say “speak” just before your dog naturally barks, then reward them. Ensure you say the command clearly and loudly to avoid confusion with random barking.
A dog barking on command
18. Quiet
Once “speak” is mastered, you can teach “quiet.” This is useful for managing excessive barking. Have your dog “speak,” then loudly say “quiet” above their bark. When they stop, reward them joyfully. Consistent practice will help them understand.
A dog in a quiet, attentive pose after being told to be quiet
19. Shake
“Shake” is a fun trick that doesn’t have significant practical utility but provides a great bonding opportunity. Have your dog sit, gently pick up their paw while saying “shake,” and give them a treat. Hold their paw for a moment, say “shake” again, and offer another treat. This is a great trick to learn, similar to learning to quickly teach a dog to roll over.
A dog offering its paw for a 'shake' command
20. Car
Training your dog to be comfortable in cars can make travel much more enjoyable. To teach this, take your dog outside with a leash and have your car door or trunk accessible. Place a treat inside the car and say “car.” Your dog should readily hop in. With repetition, they’ll associate the command with a car ride.
A dog sitting calmly in a car
21. Belly
“Belly” is a command for a fun bonding activity and can build trust. Start with your dog in the “down” position. With a treat, lure them to roll onto their side, moving the treat alongside their head as you say “belly.” Encourage them as they lay down and reward them.
A dog rolling onto its back, exposing its belly
Introducing these commands early is crucial for fostering a strong bond and ensuring your dog’s well-being. Consistent training not only enhances your dog’s mental health but also their ability to socialize. At Dog Care Story, we believe in preparing for your dog’s overall health. Explore resources on responsible pet ownership and consider comprehensive training programs like those offered by SpiritDog Training to set yourself and your pup up for a lifetime of success and companionship.
