The 6 Commands Every Dog Should Know: The Fundamentals

Training your dog isn’t just about showing off cool tricks, it’s about keeping them safe, making life easier, and decrease stress. Whether you’re raising a puppy or trying to get your older dog to listen, these six essential commands will save you a lot of frustration.

1. Sit 

Why it matters:

✔ Stops your dog from jumping all over people like an overexcited kangaroo.

✔ Calms them down in situations where you need control.

✔ Makes them look super well-behaved when you’re out in public (even if they’re not).

How to teach it:

1️⃣ Hold a treat near their nose.

2️⃣ Slowly move it upward. When their head follows, their butt has to hit the floor.

3️⃣ The second they sit, say "Sit" and give them the treat.

4️⃣ Repeat until they sit faster than you can grab your coffee.

Pro tip: Make them sit before meals, walks, or even petting. It turns "Sit" into their way of saying please.

2. Stay

Why it matters:

✔ Prevents them from running into the street or into oncoming traffic.

✔ Helps them chill when guests arrive instead of body-slamming everyone at the door.

How to teach it:

1️⃣ Start with your dog in a sit.

2️⃣ Hold your palm out like a stop sign and say "Stay."

3️⃣ Take one step back—if they stay, come back and reward. If they move? Nope, try again.

4️⃣ Slowly increase the time and distance.

Pro tip: If your dog struggles, try stepping sideways instead of backwards. It’s less of a trigger for them to follow you.

3. Come

Why it matters:

✔ Stops your dog from playing professional escape artist at the park.

✔ Saves you from of yelling their name 500 times while they pretend they don’t know you.

How to teach it:

1️⃣ Use a long leash and let your dog wander a bit.

2️⃣ Kneel down (less intimidating) and say "Come" in a happy voice.

3️⃣ Gently guide them with the leash if needed, then reward like they just won an Oscar.

4️⃣ Practice without the leash in a safe area.

Pro tip: Never call them to "Come" for something bad (like a bath or nail trim). Otherwise, they'll start running the other way.

4. Down

Why it matters:

✔ Prevents excitement overload like zoomies in the middle of a restaurant.

✔ Helps them settle instead of pacing like an anxious weirdo.

How to teach it:

1️⃣ Start with them in a sit.

2️⃣ Hold a treat at their nose, then slowly lower it to the ground.

3️⃣ Once they lie down, say "Down" and reward.

4️⃣ Repeat, but don’t push them into position. No one likes being forced.

Pro tip: If they keep popping back up, reward them while they’re still lying down to reinforce staying put.

5. Leave It

Why it matters:

✔ Saves your dog from eating dangerous stuff or things that smell like food but aren’t.

✔ Stops them from stealing your sandwich when you look away for two seconds.

How to teach it:

1️⃣ Hold a treat in your hand and show it to them.

2️⃣ Say "Leave it" and wait. Don’t let them grab it. Close your hand if they try but don't pull away.

3️⃣ The moment they stop trying, reward them with a different treat from the opposite hand. They’ll learn leaving it = something better.

4️⃣ Work up to placing treats on the ground or using high-value distractions.

Pro tip: Use this command when they’re sniffing gross things outside. Saves you from having to pry mystery objects out of their mouth.

6. Heel

Why it matters:

✔ Stops leash pulling (because you’re not a sled dog musher).

✔ Keeps them focused on you instead of every squirrel within a five-mile radius.

How to teach it:

1️⃣ Use a short leash and start walking.

2️⃣ The moment they pull ahead, stop moving (no forward progress = no fun).

3️⃣ Guide them back to your side, say "Heel," and reward.

4️⃣ Repeat every single time they pull. Yes, it’s annoying. But it works.

Pro tip: If they’re super stubborn, change direction suddenly. Makes them pay attention real fast.

Final Tips for Success

Be consistent – Don’t switch up commands or rules. Dogs need clarity, not confusion.

Keep training sessions short – 5-10 minutes max. No one (including your dog) wants to listen to a lecture.

Use positive reinforcement – Treats, praise, play. Whatever motivates your dog. No one learns well under pressure.

Make training part of daily life – Don’t just train during "sessions." Reinforce commands throughout the day.

Mastering these commands won’t happen overnight, but if you stay patient and consistent, your dog will get there.