Basic Commands Every Dog Should Know
Whether you're raising a new puppy or working with an older dog, teaching basic commands is essential for developing a well-behaved and happy pet. These commands not only make your life easier but also help keep your dog safe and under control in various situations. A well-trained dog is a joy to be around, and mastering a few key commands will set the foundation for a strong bond between you and your furry friend.
At Misfits Dog Training, we believe that training should be fun, effective, and accessible for every dog owner. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basic commands every dog should know and how to teach them with patience, consistency, and a few tasty treats.
Why Teaching Basic Commands Matters
Before we dive into specific commands, let’s talk about why teaching basic commands is so important. Training your dog goes beyond just getting them to obey—it's about establishing communication, trust, and respect between you and your dog. Basic commands help:
Ensure Safety: Commands like "Come" and "Stay" can prevent dangerous situations, like your dog running into traffic or approaching an unfriendly dog.
Enhance Behavior: Well-behaved dogs are easier to manage at home and in public. Commands like "Sit" and "Leave it" can prevent bad habits like jumping on guests or eating something they shouldn’t.
Strengthen Your Bond: Training builds trust and reinforces your role as a leader in a way that’s positive and rewarding for both you and your dog.
Now, let’s get into the essential commands that every dog should know.
The "Sit" Command: The Foundation of Good Behavior
"Sit" is often the first command taught to dogs, and for good reason. It’s simple, practical, and serves as the foundation for more advanced commands. Teaching your dog to sit on command can help manage their behavior in various situations, from greeting guests calmly to waiting patiently for their dinner.
Here’s how to teach the "Sit" command:
Get Their Attention: Start with a treat in your hand, and let your dog sniff it to get their attention.
Raise the Treat: Slowly raise the treat above their head. As your dog follows the treat with their nose, their bottom will naturally lower to the ground.
Say "Sit": As soon as their bottom touches the ground, say "Sit" clearly and immediately reward them with the treat and praise.
Practice Consistently: Repeat this process several times a day until your dog responds to the verbal command without needing the treat as a lure.
Consistency is key. Over time, your dog will learn to sit on command without the need for a treat every time, though occasional rewards will reinforce good behavior.
The "Stay" Command: Promoting Patience and Control
The "Stay" command is all about teaching your dog self-control and patience. Whether you’re asking them to stay while you answer the door or keeping them from darting out of the car, this command can be a lifesaver. Teaching "Stay" builds on your dog’s ability to remain calm in one spot, even when distractions are present.
Here’s how to teach the "Stay" command:
Start in a Calm Environment: Begin by asking your dog to sit. Once they’re sitting, hold your hand out in front of them with your palm facing them (like a "stop" signal) and say "Stay."
Take a Step Back: Take one step back while maintaining eye contact with your dog. If they stay in place, praise them and reward them with a treat.
Increase Distance Gradually: Slowly increase the distance and duration of the stay over time. If your dog breaks the stay, calmly bring them back to the original position and try again.
Release Command: Once your dog has successfully stayed for the desired duration, use a release word like "Okay" or "Free" to signal that they can move again. Always praise them when they follow through.
Remember, "Stay" takes practice and patience. Start with short stays and gradually build up to longer durations and greater distances as your dog’s confidence and understanding grow.
The "Come" Command: Ensuring a Reliable Recall
"Come" is one of the most important commands your dog can learn, especially for their safety. Whether your dog slips out of the yard or you're calling them at the dog park, a reliable recall can prevent accidents and keep them out of harm’s way. Teaching "Come" should be a fun and rewarding experience for your dog, so they associate it with positive outcomes.
Here’s how to teach the "Come" command:
Start in a Controlled Environment: Begin training in a quiet, enclosed space like your backyard or living room where there are minimal distractions. Use a long line (ideally 30 feet) to ensure they don’t get too far from you.
Call Their Name: Squat down to your dog’s level and excitedly call their name, followed by the word "Come."
Encourage Them to Approach: Use an enthusiastic tone, open your arms, and even give a gentle tug on their leash if necessary. When they come to you, reward them with a treat and lots of praise.
Practice in Different Settings: Once your dog reliably comes to you indoors, practice the command in more distracting environments, such as outside or at a park. Keep them on a long leash or in a fenced area while you work on recall to ensure their safety.
Make sure "Come" is always a positive experience. Never use the command to call your dog for something they might perceive as negative (like a bath or nail trim), as this could make them hesitant to respond in the future.
The "Leave It" Command: Avoiding Dangerous Situations
Dogs are naturally curious, and sometimes that curiosity can get them into trouble. Whether it’s something on the ground they shouldn’t eat or an object they’re fixated on, the "Leave it" command teaches your dog to ignore temptations and focus on you instead. This is especially important for avoiding dangerous situations like ingesting harmful objects or engaging with wildlife.
Here’s how to teach the "Leave it" command:
Hold a Treat in Each Hand: Show your dog one hand with a treat and say, "Leave it." Close your hand around the treat, and let your dog sniff, lick, and paw at your hand.
Wait for Them to Lose Interest: As soon as your dog stops trying to get the treat, even for a split second, say "Yes!" and reward them with the treat from your other hand.
Increase Difficulty: Gradually increase the difficulty by placing the treat on the ground and covering it with your hand. Practice until your dog can reliably leave the treat alone when told.
Use in Real-Life Situations: Once your dog understands the command, practice using it in real-life situations, such as during walks or when they encounter something potentially dangerous. Always reward them when they successfully "Leave it."
The "Leave it" command is an excellent way to prevent your dog from getting into trouble, and with consistent practice, it can become one of the most valuable commands in your training toolbox.
The "Down" Command: Encouraging Calm and Focus
The "Down" command is another essential tool for managing your dog’s behavior, especially in situations where calmness and focus are needed. Teaching your dog to lie down on command can help them settle in busy environments, prevent jumping, and create a sense of relaxation. This command is also useful for encouraging longer stays and reducing anxiety.
Here’s how to teach the "Down" command:
Start with "Sit": Begin by asking your dog to sit. Once they’re in a sitting position, hold a treat in front of their nose to get their attention.
Lower the Treat to the Ground: Slowly lower the treat straight down between their paws. As their nose follows the treat, their body should naturally lower into the down position.
Say "Down": As soon as your dog’s belly touches the ground, say "Down" and reward them with the treat and praise.
Practice in Different Settings: Like other commands, practice "Down" in various environments with increasing distractions. This helps your dog learn to stay calm and focused no matter what’s going on around them.
The "Down" command takes time to master, but it’s a valuable tool for promoting calmness and reinforcing good behavior in a variety of situations.
When to Seek Professional Help
While teaching basic commands at home is a great way to bond with your dog, sometimes professional guidance can make all the difference. At Misfits Dog Training, we offer personalized training programs that cater to your dog’s specific needs. Whether your dog is struggling with basic commands or you’re looking to address more complex behavioral issues, our experienced trainers are here to help.
Contact Misfits Dog Training today at (719) 465-9919 to schedule a consultation and get started on the path to a better-behaved dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to teach a dog basic commands? The time it takes to teach basic commands varies depending on the dog’s age, breed, and individual temperament. With consistent daily practice, most dogs can learn basic commands within a few weeks. Patience and consistency are key to successful training.
2. What should I do if my dog isn’t responding to training? If your dog isn’t responding to training, consider breaking the command down into smaller steps or reducing distractions. It may also help to increase the value of the rewards you’re offering. If you’re still having trouble, professional dog training can provide additional support and guidance.
3. Can older dogs learn basic commands? Absolutely! Dogs of all ages can learn basic commands with the right approach. While older dogs may take a bit longer to learn new behaviors, they can still become well-behaved pets with consistent training
