Why Basic Commands Matter

Teaching your dog basic commands isn't just about good manners — it's about safety, communication, and building trust. A dog that responds reliably to "come" could be saved from running into traffic. A dog that knows "leave it" won't gobble up something dangerous at the park. These five commands form the foundation of every well-behaved dog's repertoire.

What You'll Need Before You Start

  • High-value treats — small, soft, and smelly (think small pieces of cooked chicken or cheese)
  • A quiet, distraction-free space for early training sessions
  • A clicker (optional but helpful for marking correct behavior)
  • Short sessions — 5 to 10 minutes, 2–3 times per day

Always end on a success. If your dog is struggling, ask for something they already know, reward them, and stop there.

The 5 Essential Commands

1. Sit

This is usually the easiest starting point for puppies and adult dogs alike.

  1. Hold a treat close to your dog's nose.
  2. Slowly move your hand up — their bottom will naturally lower as their head follows the treat.
  3. Once they're fully seated, say "sit," give the treat, and offer praise.
  4. Repeat 5–10 times per session.

2. Stay

This command requires impulse control, so build it gradually.

  1. Ask your dog to sit.
  2. Open your palm toward them and say "stay."
  3. Take one step back. If they hold position, return and reward.
  4. Gradually increase distance and duration over days and weeks.

Tip: Never punish your dog for breaking a stay early — simply reset and try again with a shorter distance.

3. Come

A reliable recall can be a life-saving skill.

  1. Crouch down to appear less intimidating.
  2. Say "come" in a happy, inviting tone.
  3. When your dog reaches you, reward enthusiastically.
  4. Never call your dog to you for something unpleasant (like a bath they hate) — this poisons the cue.

4. Down

The "down" command encourages calm, submissive behavior and is great for settling your dog in public.

  1. With your dog sitting, hold a treat in front of their nose.
  2. Slowly lower the treat straight down to the floor.
  3. Once their elbows touch the ground, say "down" and reward.

5. Leave It

Essential for stopping your dog from picking up hazardous items.

  1. Place a treat in both hands. Close one fist.
  2. Hold the closed fist out. When your dog sniffs and backs off, say "leave it" and reward from the other hand.
  3. Gradually progress to treats on the floor, then real-world distractions.

Common Training Mistakes to Avoid

  • Repeating commands — Say a command once. Repeating it teaches your dog they don't need to respond immediately.
  • Training when frustrated — Dogs read your energy. If you're tense, take a break.
  • Skipping consistency — Everyone in the household must use the same cues and rules.
  • Expecting too much too fast — Progress takes weeks, not days.

The Golden Rule of Training

Always use positive reinforcement. Reward what you want to see more of, and redirect or ignore what you don't. Dogs learn fastest when training feels like a game — keep it fun, keep it short, and celebrate every small win.