Training your dog is one of the best ways to build a strong bond and keep them safe. Whether you have a playful puppy or an older dog, teaching them basic commands makes life easier and helps prevent unwanted behavior. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your dog can learn essential commands that improve their behavior and strengthen your relationship. Here are the top 10 commands every dog should know, along with simple, step-by-step instructions to train them.

1. Sit

Why it’s important: Helps calm your dog, prevents jumping, and is a great starting point for other commands. Teaching “Sit” is also useful for controlling excitement during meal times, greetings, and walks.

How to teach it:

1. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
2. Slowly move the treat upward so their head follows, and their bottom naturally lowers to the ground.
3. Once they sit, say “Sit,” give them the treat, and praise them.
4. Repeat this several times a day until they respond without the treat.
5. Practice before feeding, walking, or greeting guests to reinforce the behavior.

2. Stay

Why it’s important: Keeps your dog from running off and teaches patience. “Stay” is especially helpful in crowded places or around open doors.

How to teach it:

1. Ask your dog to sit.
2. Hold your hand up, palm facing them, and say “Stay.”
3. Take a small step back. If they stay, reward them with a treat and praise.
4. Gradually increase the distance and duration before rewarding.
5. Practice in different environments to improve their ability to stay calm in new situations.

3. Come

Why it’s important: Essential for safety if your dog gets loose. Teaching “Come” helps ensure your dog returns quickly when called.

How to teach it:

1. Put a leash on your dog and get down to their level.
2. Gently pull the leash and say “Come” in an excited voice.
3. When they reach you, reward them with a treat and praise.
4. Practice in a safe, enclosed area without a leash once they understand.
6. Reward your dog every time they respond, even if they were distracted at first.

4. Down (Lie Down)

Why it’s important: Helps calm an excited dog and prevents jumping. “Down” is also useful when guests arrive or during busy situations.

How to teach it:

1. Hold a treat in your closed hand and place it near their nose.
2. Slowly lower your hand to the ground so they follow it.
3. When they lie down, say “Down,” reward them, and praise.
4. Gradually increase the time they stay down before rewarding.

5. Leave It

Why it’s important: Stops your dog from eating something harmful or grabbing something they shouldn’t.

How to teach it:

1. Place a treat in your closed hand.
2. Let your dog sniff it but don’t let them take it.
3. Say “Leave it.” If they stop trying, reward them with a different treat.
4. Practice by placing a treat on the floor and covering it with your hand.
5. Gradually practice without covering the treat to strengthen their control.

6. Drop It

Why it’s important: Prevents your dog from holding onto dangerous or unwanted objects.

How to teach it:

1. Give your dog a toy to hold.
2. Offer a treat and say “Drop it.”
3. When they release the toy, reward them with the treat.
4. Repeat with different objects to reinforce the behavior.

7. Heel (Walk Nicely on a Leash)

Why it’s important: Stops pulling and makes walks more enjoyable. Teaching “Heel” can reduce stress and improve your dog’s focus on walks.

How to teach it:

1. Start walking with your dog on a leash.
2. Say “Heel” and keep a treat near your leg.
3. Reward your dog for staying close.
4. Stop and restart if they pull.
5. Gradually increase distractions to reinforce the behavior in busy environments.

8. Off

Why it’s important: Prevents jumping on people and furniture. “Off” is also useful for preventing your dog from grabbing items from tables or counters.

How to teach it:

1. If your dog jumps up, turn away and say “Off.”
2. Only give attention when all four paws are on the ground.
3. Reward calm behavior.
4. Be consistent and ensure guests follow this rule too.

9. Wait

Why it’s important: Teaches patience at doors, before meals, or getting out of the car. “Wait” reinforces impulse control.

How to teach it:

1. Ask your dog to sit.
2. Hold up your hand and say “Wait.”
3. Open the door or set their food bowl down.
4. Reward them for staying in place before releasing them.
5. Gradually increase the waiting time to build their patience.

10. No

Why it’s important: Stops unwanted behavior immediately. “No” is especially helpful for interrupting harmful actions like chewing or barking.

How to teach it:

1. Use a firm but calm voice to say “No” when they do something wrong.
2. Redirect them to a positive behavior.
3. Reward when they listen.

Train like a pro

✔ Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes).

✔ Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise, playtime).

✔ Be patient and consistent.

✔ Train in different locations to help your dog generalize commands.

✔ Stay calm and relaxed—dogs respond better when they feel safe and supported.

With time and practice, your dog will master these commands and become a well-behaved companion. Remember, training is not just about obedience; it’s about building trust and understanding. Enjoy the journey, and happy training! 🐶