The Basics: Essential commands every dog should know!

Before you get your dog doing flips for your friends, there’s just one thing you need to take care of first: Mastering basic commands!

This is the foundation of good dog training. These basic commands aren’t just for teaching your dog discipline—they’re also to keep them safe in everyday situations. Whether you’re at home, the park, or on a walk, a strong obedience foundation makes communication smoother and life way easier for both of you.

1. The “Sit” Command: The Foundation of All Training

“Sit” is usually the first command dogs learn, and for a good reason— it’s straightforward, practical, and can prevent a lot of unwanted behaviors. Once your dog knows how to sit on command, you can build on that skill to teach more advanced commands like “stay,” “down,” or “come.”

Teaching “sit” gives your dog a go-to behavior when they’re uncertain or overexcited. Think about it—when your dog gets too worked up, whether it’s because guests arrive or they see something exciting, asking them to sit can stop the chaos.

It’s a simple way to prevent jumping, knocking things over, or charging around like a little whirlwind. Plus, it’s helpful during routines like feeding, putting on a leash, or waiting at the crosswalk. Calm, collected dog? Yes, please!

There are two main ways to teach “sit”: the Lure method and the Capturing Method. Both are effective, so you can choose the one that works best for your dog’s personality.

  • Lure Method: This is the most common and easiest regarded method for teaching “sit”, especially for puppies or dogs new to training.
Step-by-Step Guide for the Lure Method:
  1. Grab a Treat: Start with a treat your dog loves.
  2. Get Their Attention: Hold the treat in front of your dog’s nose to get their focus.
  3. Lure the Sit: Slowly move the treat from your dog’s nose upward and back over their head. As they follow the treat, their bottom will naturally lower to the ground.
  4. Mark the Behavior: The moment their butt hits the floor, say “sit” in an upbeat tone.
  5. Reward Immediately: Give them the treat right away and offer lots of praise.

Repeat this process several times until your dog connects the word “sit” with the action. Before you know it, they’ll sit with just the verbal command, even without the treat.

  • Capturing Method: This method works well if your dog tends to sit on their own without needing a lure.
Step-by-Step Guide for Capture Method:
  1. Wait for the Behavior: Keep treats on hand and watch your dog closely. When they naturally sit, say “sit” as soon as their bottom touches the ground.
  2. Reward Immediately: Follow up with a treat and praise. This helps them associate the word with the action.
  3. Repeat Throughout the Day: Each time your dog sits, reinforce it with the word and a reward. Eventually, they’ll connect “sit” with the action and respond to the command.

Even with simple commands like “sit,” there can be a few hiccups. Don’t worry—these are common and fixable!

2. The “Stay” Command: Building Focus and Self-Control

“Stay” is one of the most useful commands to teach your dog. It can keep them out of dangerous situations and encourages patience and self-control. Whether you’re having guests over or need your dog to wait calmly at the door, a solid “stay” brings peace of mind.

In real-life situations, having a strong “stay” can prevent accidents. Imagine your dog bolting for an open door—asking them to “stay” can keep them safely indoors. Or when you’re at a park or café, having them “stay” calmly by your side makes life a lot easier!

Experts Tip: The “stay” command gives you that extra bit of control in unpredictable environments. It’s like pressing pause on an overexcited pup, keeping things calm and safe.

Teaching “stay” does take a bit more patience than commands like “sit,” but it’s worth the effort. The key is to build up slowly, focusing on time and distance.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Start Small: Have your dog sit. Stand in front of them, and say “stay” in a calm voice while holding up your hand as a stop signal.
  2. Reward Quickly: After just 1-2 seconds, give them a treat and praise. Keep it short at first.
  3. Gradually Increase Time: Slowly extend the amount of time they hold the “stay.” Add a few seconds more each time.
  4. Introduce Distance: Once they can stay for a short time, start taking a step back. Always return to them quickly to reward them before they break the stay.
  5. Use a Release Word: Always pair “stay” with a release command like “OK” or “come” so they know when it’s time to move.

Even with a calm approach, “stay” can be tricky at first. Here’s how to handle some common bumps in the road:

3. The “Come” Command: Ensuring Reliable Recall

Just like “sit” and “stay”, having a strong recall—getting your dog to “come” reliably—might be one of the important skills you can teach a dog. It could literally save their life one day, whether they slip the leash or are tempted to run into danger.

A solid “come” command is invaluable. Let’s just say that if your dog spots a squirrel and starts running towards the street, a “come” and having them immediately return can avoid a disaster. Plus, it lets you give your dog more freedom outside, knowing they’ll come back when called.

Building reliable recall takes time, but it’s completely doable with patience and consistency.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Start Indoors: Begin in a calm, distraction-free space like your living room.
  2. Get Their Attention: Say your dog’s name, then say “Come” in a happy, enthusiastic tone. You can kneel down to make yourself more inviting.
  3. Reward Immediately: When they come to you, reward them with a treat, praise, or their favorite toy—whatever gets them excited!
  4. Add Distance Gradually: Increase the distance over time. Eventually, practice calling them from different rooms.
  5. Practice Outdoors: Once they’re reliably coming indoors, move to your backyard or a safe outdoor space. Use a long leash for safety while giving them more freedom to explore.

Conclusion

There’s not much more to say. Mastering these basic commands—”sit,” “stay,” and “come”—creates a strong foundation for more advanced training. And besides teaching obedience; once mastered, they are giving your dog the skills to navigate the world safely and calmly.

With patience and understanding, you can turn your dog into a well-behaved companion. And believe me, it’ll make your life so much simpler!

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