Skip to content

Dog Training: 7 Basic Commands to Get Your Dog on the Right Track

Training your dog can be a difficult, yet rewarding experience. Having a well-behaved pup is the key to having a happy, healthy relationship with your canine companion. Teaching your pup the 7 basic commands is the perfect place to start when it comes to dog training. Read on to find out how to get your pup on the right track with these 7 basic commands.

1. Sit

The “sit” command is one of the most important commands for your pup to learn. It is a great tool for teaching your pup to stay in one place and is useful in many situations. To teach your pup the “sit” command, start by having them stand in front of you. Show them a treat and hold it above their head. When they look up at the treat, their bottom should naturally lower into a sitting position. As soon as their bottom touches the ground, say the word “sit” and give them the treat. Repeat this process until your pup is consistently sitting when you say the word.

2. Down

The “down” command is similar to the “sit” command, but it requires your pup to lie down. To teach your pup the “down” command, start by having them stand in front of you. Show them a treat and hold it close to the ground. When they lower their head to sniff the treat, their bottom should naturally lower into a lying down position. As soon as their stomach touches the ground, say the word “down” and give them the treat. Repeat this process until your pup is consistently lying down when you say the word.

3. Stay

The “stay” command is a great tool for teaching your pup to stay in one place for a certain amount of time. To teach your pup the “stay” command, start by having them sit in front of you. Show them a treat and hold it in front of them. As soon as they make an attempt to get the treat, say the word “stay” and move the treat away from them. If they stay in the sitting position, give them the treat and praise them. If they move, start over again. Repeat this process until your pup is consistently staying in one place when you say the word.

4. Come

The “come” command is an important command for teaching your pup to come to you when called. To teach your pup the “come” command, start by having them sit in front of you. Show them a treat and hold it in front of them. As soon as they make an attempt to get the treat, say the word “come” and move the treat away from them. If they come to you, give them the treat and praise them. If they don’t come, start over again. Repeat this process until your pup is consistently coming to you when you say the word.

5. Leave It

The “leave it” command is an important command for teaching your pup to leave something alone when you tell them to. To teach your pup the “leave it” command, start by having them sit in front of you. Show them a treat and hold it in front of them. As soon as they make an attempt to get the treat, say the word “leave it” and move the treat away from them. If they leave the treat alone, give them the treat and praise them. If they don’t leave the treat, start over again. Repeat this process until your pup is consistently leaving something alone when you say the word.

6. Drop It

The “drop it” command is an important command for teaching your pup to drop something when you tell them to. To teach your pup the “drop it” command, start by having them sit in front of you. Show them a treat and hold it in front of them. As soon as they make an attempt to get the treat, say the word “drop it” and move the treat away from them. If they drop the treat, give them the treat and praise them. If they don’t drop the treat, start over again. Repeat this process until your pup is consistently dropping something when you say the word.

7. Heel

The “heel” command is an important command for teaching your pup to stay by your side when you are walking them. To teach your pup the “heel” command, start by having them sit in front of you. Show them a treat and hold it in front of them. As soon as they make an attempt to get the treat, say the word “heel” and move the treat away from them. If they stay by your side, give them the treat and praise them. If they don’t stay by your side, start over again. Repeat this process until your pup is consistently staying by your side when you say the word.

Conclusion

Learning the 7 basic commands is the perfect place to start when it comes to dog training. Not only will your pup learn important commands, but they will also learn to trust and respect you as their leader. Having a well-behaved pup is the key to having a happy, healthy relationship with your canine companion. So take the time to teach your pup the 7 basic commands and watch as your relationship grows stronger with each successful lesson.

Remember, dog training can be a difficult but rewarding experience. With patience and consistency, you and your pup will soon be mastering the 7 basic commands together.


Related articles