One of the most important things you need your dog to be able to do is follow basic commands. It not only makes your life a lot easier, but it also strengthens the bond between owner and dog and teaches your dog a bit of discipline and obedience.
Sometimes, it can be a bit overwhelming to know how to start with training your dog—that’s why I’ve compiled a list of five essential commands you can teach your dog and how to do it! Each command gets gradually more difficult as the list goes on, but are all totally doable. Good luck!
1. Sit.
Perhaps the easiest one to teach on this list, “sit” is a basic dog command that every dog should know.
First, hold a treat to your dog’s nose. Then, move your hand up, allowing your dog’s head to follow the treat while simultaneously causing his bottom to lower. Once your dog is in the sitting position, say “sit” and give them a treat or praise. Keep repeating this until your dog knows how to sit!
2. Come.
Another important dog command your dog should know is “come”—it helps keep your dog out of trouble and keeps them safe!
To start, put a leash and collar on your dog. Then, go down to their level and say “come” while pulling on the leash. When your dog gets to you, reward them with a treat! Once your dog has mastered this with the leash, remove the leash and continue practicing—but make sure you’re in a safe and enclosed area!
3. Down.
This is a harder command to teach, but with lots of practice and repetition, your dog should be able to get the hang of it!
Get a treat and put it in your closed fist. Hold your fist to your dog’s nose. When they sniff your fist, move your hand to the floor so your dog will follow. Next, slide your hand along the ground in front of them to encourage their entire body to follow their head. Once in the down position, say “down” and reward them with the treat and praise.
Make sure you repeat this one daily to ensure that your dog really gets it down. If your dog resists and tries to sit up or lunges toward your hand, firmly say “no” and move your hand away. Never push your dog into the down position. Try to stay positive and encouraging!
4. Stay.
Before you work on this command, make sure your dog has mastered the “sit” command.
First, ask your dog to sit. Once they are sitting, open your palm in front of you and say “stay.” Take a few steps back and reward your dog with a treat and praise if they stay. As you continue working on this command, keep taking bigger steps back away from your dog. Keep practicing until your dog has mastered this! Remember to be patient and always reward your dog for their good work.
5. Leave it.
The last basic and essential command I want to cover is “leave it.” This command is especially good if your dog tends to let their curiosity get the better of them!
To begin, place a treat in both hands. Show your dog one enclosed fist with the treat inside and say “leave it.” Let your dog sniff, mouth, paw, and lick to try to get the treat, but ignore this behavior. Once your dog gives up and stops trying to beg for the treat, give them the treat from the other hand. Repeat until your dog starts to move away from that first enclosed fist when you say “leave it.” Once your dog has gotten the hang of this, only give your dog a treat when they move away from that first fist and also looks up at you.
Once your pup has mastered this, you can continue on to the next level. This is probably the hardest command on this list because it takes the most time and patience!
To start, get two different treats: one that your dog LOVES and one that your dog is “meh” about. Say “leave it” and place the less attractive treat on the floor. Cover this treat with your hand. Wait until your dog ignores the treat and looks up at you. Once your dog does that, remove that treat from the floor, give them the more desirable treat, and give praise and affection. Once your dog has gotten the hang of that, place the less attractive treat on the floor, but don’t completely cover it with your hand. Instead, hold it slightly above the treat. Repeat the process. Over time, gradually move your hand farther away from the treat until it is around six inches above. To finish, practice with you standing up. Follow the same steps, but if they try to take the less tasty treat, cover it with your foot.
Remember to not give up and to have lots of patience! If you get impatient or discouraged, your dog will notice and it will rub off on them. Good luck!
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