How to Train Your Dog Basic Commands

Essential for their safety, basic commands like “come” must be taught to ensure the dog does not run away into traffic or an unsafe area. To teach this command effectively, lure your pup with treats while giving clear orders in an authoritative voice – for best results use both names in succession when giving the command.

Practise this until your dog comes close, then praise them again. Gradually increase both distance and length of time that must pass before rewarding them again.

1. Heel

Heeling is one of the most essential commands you should teach your dog, as it allows you to maintain control of your walk without risking him straying ahead of you.

Begin training this command in a distraction-free area such as your backyard or corner of the park, using treats to lure your pup into position before progressing with clicker training.

Repeat this process until your dog walks alongside you without pulling. Although this may prove challenging at times, it will ultimately pay dividends!

2. Sit

Sitting is a natural and comfortable position for most dogs, making it a popular command to teach. Sitting can also help to reduce jumping, chasing, dominance and excessive barking as it prevents these behaviors from being displayed from this posture.

Start by tempting your pup into sitting with a treat. When they are sitting comfortably, mark their behavior using clicker training or verbal cues, and reward them afterwards.

3. Come

Recall is key when visiting dog parks where off-leash play is likely, such as eating something toxic or running into traffic. A reliable recall will also keep your pup safe during trips where off-leash fun may ensue.

Start off slowly by saying your dog’s name while pulling on their leash, gradually increasing distance until they understand and obey your command. Be sure to reward them with treats or verbal praise when they comply.

4. Stay

Learned properly, this command allows you to keep your dog away from people and animals so they don’t become overexcited or run away.

Start training by asking them to stay while placing their feet down, saying “Stay,” and rewarding them immediately before moving. Gradually increase the duration and distance over time – always use an exit signal such as “Okay” as release cue.

5. Wait

Learning new commands with your dog will make life much simpler. Teaching “leave it” may keep them away from items they shouldn’t pick up; help with destructive chewing or food theft; even address issues like puppy mouthing and barking!

Begin by telling them to lie down, using a treat as an inducement for seven seconds before moving it and repeating this process until they obey both verbal commands and hand gestures alone.

6. Drop It

Many dogs pick up and hold items in their mouths that may not be safe for them to swallow, such as rocks, sticks, the television remote control or your shoes. It’s essential that they learn how to drop items when asked. And avoid chasing after them when they have something in their mouth; doing so only turns the situation into a game and makes things harder!

Put an object that they will like into your hand and say “drop it” as they approach, rewarding them if they comply. Work on this with multiple short training sessions.

7. Leave It

Your dog could easily access things he or she shouldn’t, such as cooked bones that pose choking hazards or medications you don’t want them taking. Training them a strong leave it command can help ensure their safety from these hazards.

To train this command, use small treats concealed in fists with “leave it.” When they back away after sniffing your closed hand and sniff the treat inside it, click and reward them with something higher-value from another hand.

8. Quiet

Barking is an extremely common behavior among dogs that can become disruptive for both them and humans alike. If your pup’s excessive barking becomes bothersome, teaching it how to be quiet could make an incredible difference in its life.

Start training your dog to be quiet by teaching it how to speak on command. When your pup starts barking, just say the cue word you chose (‘quiet’ or whatever it may be) and wait until he/she stops barking before rewarding them immediately if that occurs.

9. Shake

No matter if you’re training your puppy for obedience or just fun, mastering basic commands is an integral part of responsible dog ownership and will help create a balanced household for both you and your pet.

Many pet parents prefer training their pups themselves with or without professional assistance from a dog trainer or animal behaviorist, using books or videos as methods to work directly with their pups.