You can’t own a dog without training it unless you’re fine with an ill-behaved pup that you’d be forced to abandon after its string of bad habits overwhelm you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Much like feeding, vet checkup, exercise, and care, dog training is a basic need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some dog breeds are easier to train than others, but none should be neglected on the grounds of having a better temperament. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog obedience training is a core form of training you should give your pooch, and it involves getting it to learn and respond to basic dog commands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are seven basic commands many dog owners use, though canine commands aren’t limited to these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once your pup can learn and obey these seven commands: Sit<\/em>, Stay<\/em>, Come<\/em>, Down<\/em>, Heel<\/em>, Off<\/em>, Leave It<\/em>, it will be on a good path to being well-mannered.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide will take you through the 7 basic dog commands, along with details on each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a bonus, you’ll also get some tips on dog training to help shape up your beloved pet buddy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 7 Basic Dog Commands To Teach Your Pup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

01.<\/span> Sit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Sit<\/em> command is hands down the most popular and easiest command for dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is recommended you start with the Sit<\/em> command as you can use it to calm your pooch down and keep it under control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Sit<\/em> command also clears the path for other more complicated ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to teach your dog the Sit<\/em> command:  <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

• Get a treat handy.<\/li>
• Hold the treat close to your dog’s nose.<\/li>
• Move your hand up in such a way that your dog’s head will follow the movement.<\/li>
• Its bottom side will lower to a sitting position.<\/li>
• Once it is in that position, say Sit<\/em>.<\/li>
• Reward with a treat and other forms of affection once it does. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

  Consistency is the key, so ensure you try it out multiple times a day till your dog can respond even without a treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  You can then use the command during mealtime and when you need your dog to stay calm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  02.<\/span> Stay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

  <\/figure>\n\n\n\n

  The Stay<\/em> command shares a similar role with the Sit<\/em> command in that it helps your dog remain calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  You can use it when you don’t want your pet going after you as you step outdoors, or chasing after a nervous visitor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  The Stay<\/em> command is also good for dogs that tend to run loose on the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  Before teaching your dog the Stay command, ensure that it already understands and can respond to the Sit<\/em> command as that would make your task more feasible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  If not, teach it the Sit<\/em> command before proceeding to the Stay<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  How to teach your dog the Stay<\/em> command: <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

  • Ask your dog to Sit<\/em>.<\/li>
  • Open your palm and keep it in front of you. <\/li>
  • Say Stay. <\/em><\/li>
  • Take a few steps back. <\/li>
  • If your dog stays, reward it with a treat. <\/li>
  • Increase the distance a bit.<\/li>
  • Each time your dog stays, give it a treat, even if it only stayed for a few seconds.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    The Stay<\/em> command can be a bit difficult for a dog to master, especially for excitable puppies and hyperactive breeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A rule of thumb is to teach your dog the Stay<\/em> command when it is tired and well-exercised. It might also take time, so you must be patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once your dog masters the Stay<\/em> command, it can save its life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    03.<\/span> Come (Recall)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    <\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The Come<\/em> command is relatively easy and is usually taught after the dog has mastered Stay<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A dog that has learned Stay<\/em> would pick up Come<\/em> fast. The Come<\/em> command is helpful outdoors when your dog is off-leash or at a dog’s park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Generally, it helped keep your dog out of trouble. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to teach your dog the Come<\/em> command:  <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    • Put your dog on a leash or collar.<\/li>
    • Bend to its level and say Come<\/em>.<\/li>
    • Gently pull on the leash. <\/li>
    • When the pooch responds, give it a treat. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      When it can swiftly respond with the leash, remove the leash and teach it how to obey the command in a confined space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      04.<\/span> Down<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      <\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      The Down<\/em> command is a difficult one for a dog to master, especially independent breeds. It is even harder than the Sit<\/em> or Stay<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      One major reason is that it is one of the basic dog commands that require your dog to be submissive \u2014 a stance more complicated for stubborn dogs to take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      It is a good command nonetheless, as it can be effective in halting a dog on its tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      You’ll make more progress with this command by making training relaxed and positive, especially if your dog is stubborn or prone to anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Always reward your pooch when it obeys the command. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How to teach your dog the Down<\/em> command: <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

      • Get a treat your dog loves and hold it in closed hands. <\/li>
      • Hold your hand to your dog’s snout. <\/li>
      • Once your dog sniffs it, put your hand to the floor to encourage it to follow. <\/li>
      • Keep moving your hand forward till it gets to a lying position. <\/li>
      • Once it is in that position, say Down<\/em>.<\/li>
      • Give it the treat once it obeys. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        One challenge you’d have while teaching is that the dog might try to lunge at your hand or even sit up. Be sure to refute that with a No<\/em> till it complies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        You might have to repeat this several times a day. Whatever you do, do not force your dog to get to the lying position. That would be counterproductive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        05.<\/span> Heel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        <\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        Getting a dog to Heel<\/em> is training it to walk close to you, usually at the left side with 6 inches of space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        This is especially beneficial for dogs that have the habit of pulling at leashes or being overly excited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The Heel<\/em> command helps make your dog calmer during walks and makes exercises a better experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How to teach your dog the Heel<\/em> command: <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        • Get some treats and a clicker (the clicker is optional).<\/li>
        • Find a spacious environment like an enclosed yard or a living room if you live in an apartment.<\/li>
        • Walk with your dog in that environment.<\/li>
        • While walking, say your dog’s name and point at the side you want it to walk at. <\/li>
        • When your dog responds favorably, say ‘yes’ or use the clicker. <\/li>
        • Hand a treat.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          You’ll need to do this a couple of times till your dog will move to the side without you saying a word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          During the training, make it more challenging for the dog by increasing pace, zigzagging, or even turning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          06.<\/span> Off<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          <\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          Do you fancy having your dog jump on you? Many dogs do this excitedly and mean no harm, but it can get overwhelming especially when your dog is too big.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          It might also scare away a visitor when your friendly dog tries that. Even more, dogs can jump on pieces of furniture and might damage them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Using the Off<\/em> command can help curb this behavior and keep your dog under control when it is too excited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          There’s a slight difference between this command and others we’ve seen so far. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The Off<\/em> command is meant to dissuade undesirable behaviors, not teach them how to act the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          How to teach your dog the Off<\/em> command<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          • Have the treat on standby. <\/li>
          • Wait for your dog to jump on something\/you. <\/li>
          • Say Off<\/em> and use the sweet treat to distract someone. <\/li>
          • Practice consistently.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            The best way to make sure your dog learns is to use it every time it jumps on you, a visitor, or an item of furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            By using the command and giving treats when it responds, your dog will eventually get accustomed to the command.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            07.<\/span> Leave It (Drop, No)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            <\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            The 7th basic dog command on our list is Leave It. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            This command is sometimes alternated with No<\/em> or Drop<\/em> as both words serve the same function: getting your dog to drop an object or ignore something potentially dangerous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            All dogs tend to be curious, especially when they are puppies. The Leave It command can keep them away from danger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            How to teach your dog the Leave It<\/em> command: <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

            • Hold treats in both hands and close your fists over them.  <\/li>
            • Put one fist close to your dog and say Leave It<\/em>.<\/li>
            • If your dog tries to get the treat, ignore it. <\/li>
            • Once it stops and steps back, hand over the treat from the other hand. <\/li>
            • Repeat it till the dog steps away from the first hand once you say Leave It<\/em>. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Once it obeys consistently, make it more challenging. You can drop the first treat, cover it with your hand, and get it to Leave It<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              The idea is to train it to turn away from something it is curious about to whatever else you have in hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              You’d need to be patient as many dogs struggle with this particular training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Tips on Dog Obedience Training<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              Teaching your dog to obey the commands above is vital in dog obedience training, but that is not all that dog training is about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              There are other things you should know when you want to train a puppy<\/a> or an adult dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Obedience training is the first training a pooch needs, but it isn’t the only one. Socialization<\/a>, house training, and crate training<\/a> are some other examples. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Here are tips to make dog training a pleasant and successful experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Get advice from a veterinarian<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              If you’re wondering why you should visit a veterinarian for training, understand that dogs have different needs and even backgrounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              If you adopted from a rescue shelter and the dog has problems with anxiety, or your dog suffers from a particular health condition (like deafness or blindness) you’ll need a veterinarian more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              The vet is in the best position to offer some beneficial suggestions and might even tell you how to handle a particular breed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Have the right types of equipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              For training to be successful, you need a starter pack with the important tools. They include a short leash and a pack of healthy dog treats<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Start with basic commands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              You have all the necessary commands in this guide. Teaching them these basic ones can help lay the foundation for other harder ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Use positive reinforcements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Treats are a form of positive reinforcement, but not the whole package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Positive reinforcements also involve motivations, pats on the back, praise, or even toy games. Positive reinforcements encourage the dog to do better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Remain in charge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              As a pet parent, you must know how to assert dominance without being harsh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Dogs usually understand the ‘pack system’, and the highly stubborn ones will only obey if they know you’re in charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              This is why new pet parents are usually advised to get smaller and less stubborn breeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Once a dog understands that you’re superior, it would be more willing to please. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Related Dog Training FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n

              \n

              \n

              \n

              What is the best method to train a dog?<\/h3>\n

              \n\n

              The best method one can use to train a dog is with positive reinforcements. This would encourage the dog to cooperate and also boost its self-esteem. <\/p>\n

              Dogs are motivated by what they like. This is why using harsh methods does more harm than good.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

              \n

              How many commands can a dog learn?<\/h3>\n

              \n\n

              Dogs have different levels of intelligence, but they’ve all been known to learn a lot of words. The average dog breed can learn 165 words while breeds with a higher IQ can learn up to 250 words.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

              \n

              What order should I teach my dogs command?<\/h3>\n

              \n\n

              There is no fixed rule for teaching a dog commands, but according to some experts, you can teach your dog basic commands following this order: Heel<\/em>, Sit<\/em>, Stay<\/em>, Come<\/em>…<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

              \n

              What is the best age to train a dog?<\/h3>\n

              \n\n

              It is always better to start training a dog when it is still a puppy and hasn’t begun developing any bad habits. <\/p>\n

              The ideal age is around 7 to 8 weeks where you start with gentle commands and positive reinforcements. You should also start socialization around this age.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

              \n

              Is it ever too late to start training your dog?\u00a0<\/h3>\n

              \n\n

              It is more challenging to train an adult dog as it would learn slower, but it is never too late to start training one.<\/p>\n

              So, do not despair when you adopt an adult dog. You’ll need to be more patient with it.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

              Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              In conclusion, it is cool to train your dog how to do some more complex tricks like rolling over, giving a high five, winking, and even dancing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              But to get to that level, however, you need to establish the basic commands. The 7 basic dog commands on this guide are all good places to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Remember that consistency, calmness, and patience are important in dog training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              You should only train your dog during the moments when you’re in the right state of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              You should also get a breed that you can train as some are harder than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              You May Also Enjoy:<\/strong>
              Is Dog Board And Training Worth It? Pros & Cons<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

              Reference & Notes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              • Paisley Lunchick, “Teach Your Puppy These 5 Basic Cues,” American Kennel Club, Feb 03, 2021, accessed Mar 22, 2022, https:\/\/www.akc.org\/expert-advice\/training\/teach-your-puppy-these-5-basic-commands\/<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                You can’t own a dog without training it unless you’re fine with an ill-behaved pup that you’d be forced to abandon after its string of bad habits overwhelm you.  Much … Continue Reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7717,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7716","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dog-training"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7716","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7716"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7716\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7736,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7716\/revisions\/7736"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7717"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7716"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7716"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7716"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}