{"id":7716,"date":"2022-03-22T04:41:34","date_gmt":"2022-03-22T08:41:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/?p=7716"},"modified":"2022-03-22T05:03:38","modified_gmt":"2022-03-22T09:03:38","slug":"basic-dog-commands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/basic-dog-commands\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are The 7 Basic Dog Commands? Sit, Stay & More"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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
![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dog-Training-Sit-Command.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dog-Training-Stay-Command.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dog-Training-Come-Command.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dog-Training-Down-Command.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dog-Training-Heel-Command.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dog-Training-Off-Command.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dog-Training-Drop-Command.jpg\")
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