Training your dog is an essential aspect of pet ownership. Basic commands not only make your life easier but also help keep your dog safe and well-behaved. Here are some fundamental commands every dog owner should know and how to train your dog to follow them.
Sit
The sit command is one of the easiest and most important commands to teach your dog. It’s a helpful command for controlling your dog’s behavior in various situations, such as crossing the street or meeting new people.
To train your dog to sit, hold a treat above their head and move it back towards their tail. As they follow the treat with their nose, their bottom should naturally lower to the ground. When their bottom touches the ground, say “sit” and give them the treat while praising them. Repeat this process several times a day until your dog learns the command.
Stay
The stay command is crucial for keeping your dog in place when necessary, such as when you need to answer the door or put on their leash.
To train your dog to stay, start with the sit command. Once your dog is sitting, hold up your hand as if signaling “stop” while saying “stay.” Take a step back and return to your dog, giving them a treat and praise if they stayed in place. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the stay while reinforcing the command with treats and praise.
Come
The come command is essential for calling your dog back to you, especially in emergency situations.
To train your dog to come, put them on a leash and call their name while backing away. Once they start coming towards you, say “come” and reward them with a treat and praise. Gradually increase the distance and remove the leash once your dog has mastered the command.
Down
The down command is helpful for keeping your dog calm and submissive, especially in crowded or stressful situations.
To train your dog to lie down, start with the sit command. Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose and slowly move it towards the ground between their paws. As they follow the treat, their body should naturally lower to the ground. When they are lying down, say “down” and give them the treat and praise. Repeat this process several times a day until your dog learns the command.
Heel
The heel command is helpful for walking your dog on a leash without pulling or wandering off.
To train your dog to heel, hold a treat at your side and say “heel” as you start walking. If your dog starts to pull or wander off, stop walking and say “no” firmly. Once they return to your side, resume walking and reward them with a treat and praise. Practice this command on each walk until your dog learns to walk calmly by your side.
Leave it
The leave it command is essential for preventing your dog from picking up dangerous or unwanted items, such as food or garbage.
To train your dog to leave it, hold a treat in one hand and a small object in the other. Present the object and say “leave it.” When your dog looks away from the object, reward them with the treat and praise. Repeat this process with different objects until your dog learns to leave items alone when commanded.
Remember that consistency and patience are key to successful dog training. Training sessions should be short and frequent, with plenty of positive reinforcement through treats and praise. Focus on one command at a time and gradually increase difficulty as your dog progresses. With time and effort, your dog can become a well-behaved and obedient companion.