Training your dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences for both of you. Whether you have a new puppy or a grown dog who’s ready to learn, teaching basic commands can help create a strong bond between you and your furry friend. In this guide, you’ll learn how to teach your dog essential commands, like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” We’ll take it step by step, so even if you’ve never trained a dog before, you’ll be set up for success. Plus, I’ll recommend a few handy products along the way that can make the process easier and more enjoyable.
Why Training Is Important
Before jumping into the commands, it’s worth taking a moment to consider why training your dog is so crucial. Teaching your dog basic commands doesn’t just make life easier—it helps keep your pet safe, prevents unwanted behavior, and ensures they’re happy, confident, and secure. A well-trained dog is one who can go on adventures, meet new people, and even play with other dogs without stress.
The basic commands we’ll cover in this guide—“Sit,” “Stay,” “Come,” “Lie Down,” and “Leave It”—are crucial building blocks for more advanced tricks and obedience. So grab some treats, get ready to have fun, and let’s get started!
The Basics of Dog Training
Before diving into specific commands, it’s helpful to know a few basic principles about training your dog.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding your dog for good behavior is far more effective than punishing them for mistakes. Treats, praise, and affection are powerful motivators for most dogs. You could use small training treats like the Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats, which are available on Amazon and have thousands of great reviews.
- Keep Training Sessions Short: Dogs have short attention spans, especially puppies. Training sessions of 5-10 minutes are usually ideal.
- Be Consistent: Use the same commands and cues every time, and make sure everyone in your household is on the same page.
A book to consider that is sold on Amazon: Sit, Stay, Snooze: Teach Your Dog to Settle and Relax – A fun, simple way to help your dog relax anywhere, transforming tail-wagging energy into serene doggy zen.
1. Teaching Your Dog to Sit
“Sit” is often the first command that many pet owners teach. It’s simple, and it sets the foundation for more complex training.
- Get Your Dog’s Attention: Hold a treat in your hand and allow your dog to see and sniff it.
- Move the Treat Over Their Nose: Slowly raise the treat above your dog’s head. As their nose follows the treat, their bottom will naturally start to lower.
- Give the Command: As soon as your dog’s bottom hits the ground, say “Sit” in a firm but cheerful voice, and then give them the treat.
- Praise: Always give your dog lots of praise when they get it right. A simple “Good job!” in an enthusiastic voice can work wonders.
Practice this a few times a day, and before long, your dog will sit on command—even without a treat in your hand!
Recommended Product: A clicker, like the PetSafe Clik-R Training Clicker, is a helpful tool for marking the exact moment your dog gets it right. The clicker sound helps your dog understand exactly which action earned them the reward.
2. Teaching Your Dog to Stay
Once your dog has mastered “Sit,” the next logical step is “Stay.” This command is crucial for keeping your dog safe, especially in potentially dangerous situations.
- Start with a Sit: Have your dog sit.
- Give the Stay Command: Hold your hand up, palm facing your dog, and say “Stay.”
- Take a Step Back: Take just one small step backward. If your dog stays in place, reward them immediately.
- Increase Distance Gradually: Over time, increase the distance and duration for which your dog stays. If they move, calmly bring them back to where they were, ask them to sit, and try again.
Patience is key with this command. Your dog might struggle initially, but practicing a few minutes each day will help them get there.
Recommended Product: Using a treat pouch, like the Paw Lifestyles Dog Treat Training Pouch, can keep treats handy during training. This way, you can quickly reward your dog without fumbling around.
3. Teaching Your Dog to Come
The “Come” command is one of the most important commands for your dog’s safety. It can prevent your dog from running into dangerous situations, like traffic or confrontations with other animals.
- Start Indoors: Begin in a quiet, distraction-free area of your home. Get down on your dog’s level and say, “Come,” in a happy, excited voice.
- Use Treats: Hold out a treat or a favorite toy. When your dog comes to you, reward them immediately.
- Add Distance: Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog, and practice in different areas of the house.
Pro Tip: Never use “Come” for something your dog might find unpleasant, like a bath or nail trimming. You want them to always associate the word with something positive.
Recommended Product: If you’re practicing outside, use a long training leash, like the Hi Kiss 30ft Training Leash. This will allow your dog some freedom while still giving you control as they learn.
4. Teaching Your Dog to Lie Down
Teaching your dog to lie down can be helpful in many situations, especially when you need them to settle down and stay calm.
- Start with a Sit: Have your dog sit in front of you.
- Use a Treat as a Guide: Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose, then slowly lower it to the ground. Their body should naturally follow the movement.
- Give the Command: As soon as your dog’s body is on the ground, say “Lie Down” and give them the treat.
- Practice: Repeat this a few times each day until your dog understands the command.
Recommended Product: A comfortable dog mat, like the Furhaven Pet Bed, can provide a designated spot for your dog to practice lying down, which makes them more likely to follow the command.
5. Teaching Your Dog to Leave It
“Leave it” is an essential command that can keep your dog from picking up something harmful—like a piece of chocolate or a sharp object.
- Show Them the Treat: Hold a treat in your hand and let your dog see it, but don’t let them have it.
- Give the Command: Say “Leave it” in a firm voice and close your hand around the treat.
- Wait: Wait until your dog stops trying to get the treat. The moment they pull back or look away, praise them and give them a different treat from your other hand.
- Practice: Increase the difficulty by placing the treat on the floor and covering it with your hand. Continue practicing until your dog understands to back off whenever you say “Leave it.”
Recommended Product: High-value treats, like the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats, can make this training easier. Dogs are more likely to obey when there’s something particularly yummy in it for them.
Tips for Successful Training
- Be Patient: Every dog learns at their own pace. Some commands may take a few days, while others may take weeks.
- Use Hand Signals: Adding hand signals to your commands can help reinforce them, especially if you ever need to communicate silently.
- End on a Positive Note: Always end training sessions on a positive note, with a successful command and a reward. This keeps your dog eager for the next session.
- Minimize Distractions: When you’re first teaching a new command, start in a quiet area without distractions. As your dog gets better, gradually introduce more distractions to test their skills.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Inconsistency: Make sure everyone in the household is using the same commands and methods. If one person says “Come” and another says “Here,” it can be confusing for your dog.
- Repeating Commands: Try not to repeat a command multiple times. Instead of saying “Sit, sit, sit,” say it once and wait. Repeating it can make your dog think they only need to respond after hearing it a few times.
- Getting Frustrated: Dogs can sense your frustration. If you’re having a tough time, take a break and try again later. Training should be a positive experience for both of you.
Training Tools That Can Help
- Treats: Using treats is one of the best ways to reinforce good behavior. Training treats like Zuke’s Mini Naturals are low-calorie, which is ideal for frequent rewarding.
- Clicker: A clicker, such as the PetSafe Clik-R, is a great way to let your dog know the exact moment they’ve done something right.
- Training Leash: The Hi Kiss 30ft Training Leash is perfect for teaching commands like “Come” in an outdoor setting without losing control of your dog.
- Treat Pouch: The Paw Lifestyles Dog Treat Training Pouch can make holding and accessing treats much easier during training sessions.
Celebrate Success
Training your dog takes time, but the effort you put in will be worth it when you see your dog respond reliably to your commands. Celebrate your dog’s successes, no matter how small, and always keep sessions fun and light-hearted. Remember, training is not just about teaching commands; it’s also about building a relationship based on trust and understanding.
Training can sometimes be challenging, but it’s also a wonderful way to bond with your dog. With consistency, patience, and plenty of treats, your dog will soon be mastering these commands and ready for even more advanced training. Good luck, and happy training!