21 Essential Dog Commands to Teach Your Dog
Proper training is one of the most rewarding parts of being a pet owner. When done right, you set your dog up for a lifetime of happiness, love and safety. Commands like sit, down and stay not only help your dog behave at home, but can help them be a good canine citizen outside of the home.
Below we’ve gathered the 21 most essential dog commands to teach your furry best friend first. First there are basic commands, and then we jump into more advanced tricks.
Aim to practice all of them with your dog two to three times a day for 10-15 minutes at a time. It should take a couple of weeks for your dog to catch on, but once they do you’ll be set for a lifetime.
1. Sit
The quintessential demand, “sit,” will come in handy on a daily basis. Whether company is coming over or your pup is getting a treat, “sit” is a go-to.
To teach your dog “sit”, hold a treat in your fist and put it above your dog’s head. Slowly move it behind their head and when they crouch, say “sit” and reward them.
2. Watch Me
A less-known yet important command is “watch me.” This direction will come in handy should you bring your dog to a busy area. As you get to know your dog more, you’ll know when to use this command — some dogs need it when cars pass by, squirrels run in front of them, etc.
Simply hold a treat and put it near your dog’s nose to begin training for “watch me.” Then, slowly bring the treat towards your face and stop when the treat is near your nose. Say “watch me” and reward your pup.
3. Down
“Down” is a tricky command to teach, but a great one for your dog to know. Not only does it look cute, but it is important for when your dog gets a little too excited.
Hold a strong-smelling treat in front of your pup and wait for them to smell it. Once they do, bring the treat down to the floor and your dog will eventually follow. When their belly is on the floor say “down” and give them the treat.
4. Stay
Arguably the most important command to teach your dog, “stay” will come in handy daily. For their safety and the safety of others, “stay” needs to be taught at an early age.
To teach it, have your dog start by sitting. Then slowly back away from your dog. If he or she moves toward you, say “no” and have them sit. When they stop, say “stay.” Then reward and say “come.”
5. Wait
Similar to “stay,” “wait” is used specifically for when people enter the door of your home. No matter how well behaved your dog is, they’ll most likely get excited when someone enters your house, but it’s important they don’t barrel into you or your guests.
To teach “wait,” it’s best to have two people train your pup. Have one go outside the door to your house and the other stay inside with your dog. The person outside should open the door. When your dog starts moving toward the door the person inside should say “wait” as the person outside closes the door.
Repeat this multiple times and reward your dog when they don’t move towards the door.
6. Come
For your dog’s safety, “come” should be one of the first commands you teach them. It can save their life if they start to run off or get into an unsafe area.
For “come,” simply put your dog on a leash and say the command while you tug lightly on their leash. When he or she comes to you, reward them with a treat. This direction will take consecutive days of training, so be patient.
7. Off
If you want to keep your furniture hair-free, “off” can be a useful command. Even if you don’t mind a lounging pooch, others may if you bring your dog to their home. For this reason, “off” is a courtesy command.
Hold a treat in a fist and put it in front of your dog’s nose. They will try to get it, but keep your fist closed. When they eventually back down, say “off” and give them the treat. Practice in an area with furniture to help with association.
8. Drop It
An essential command, “drop it” helps prevent your dog from hurting themselves and your valuables. Especially for young puppies, this command can help save many household items.
To teach this command, you’ll need two identical dog toys. Give your pup one toy and let them play with it. Then, call them over and hold up the new toy. Say “drop it” and give them the new toy once they drop the other. This can also be done with a toy and treat.
9. Leave It
“Leave it” is a go-to command while on walks. Dogs are curious creatures and can sometimes get into things they shouldn’t — this is where “leave it” comes into play.
Hold two treats, one in each hand. Show your dog one of the treats and then close your hand — the other treat should be hidden behind your back. Keep the treat you showed him or her in a fist and wait for them to lose interest, all the while saying “leave it.”
Once they back away from the original treat, give them the treat you were hiding.
10. No
A versatile command, “no” will keep your dog out of trouble. Use this command in any instance where you can see your pup starting to get into mischief.
To teach this command, have your dog on a leash and place a treat on the floor. Walk your dog towards the treat and once they go to sniff it, say “no” and slightly pull the leash towards you. Give your pup a treat and repeat it frequently.
11. Heel
This command will be used on a daily basis with your puppy. Proper walking habits are established when dogs are young and should be focused on heavily.
To teach “heel,” take your dog for a walk and periodically tell them to “sit.” Take out a treat and show it to your dog, then start walking. Keep your pup tight on the leash and keep the treat above their head. Keep saying “heel” and then give them the treat.
12. Handle Your Business
You can choose the word you want to associate with getting your dog to do it’s business outside, but whatever you choose, it will be used for years.
To housetrain your dog, take them out frequently and every time you go outside, say the word you want to indicate it’s time to go (“go pee,” “go potty,” “outside” — whatever).
Then, once they’re outside and have done their business, get excited and feed them a treat. This process will take a few months to nail down.
13. Take It
This can be a novelty trick, but also a useful command at times. If you want your dog to pick something up, use this command.
To teach this one, simply grab one of your dog’s favorite toys and a treat. Hold the toy in front of your dog, say “take it” and give your pup the treat once they take the toy.
14. Bed
Just like with human kiddos, telling your pup to go to bed can be a useful command. It’s important to make this a reward and not a punishment.
Have your dog on a leash and lead them to wherever you want to deem “the bed.” This should be a place they will go to sleep and unwind. Once your dog is in bed, say “bed” and give them a treat.
15. Leash
No matter the size of your pup, they’ll get tangled in their leash at some point. When walking this happens frequently and can be awkward to undo if your dog isn’t trained for it.
To teach them to step over their leash, wrap it around their front paw. Then slowly make the loop larger and pull it towards you. Your dog will lift their paw and when the leash comes off, give them a leash and say “leash” energetically. Repeat this frequently.
16. Lap
Having your dog put their paws in your lap is a cute trick for them to learn. It’s also useful when their paws are dirty and require cleaning.
Sit in a chair to teach this trick. Grab a treat and place your hand on your lap. Keep encouraging your pup by patting your lap and saying “lap” — eventually they will put their paws up. Reward them generously when they do.
This trick will be hard to teach if your dog knows not to jump on people, so be prepared to train hard.
17. Speak
Another semi-fun command, “speak” can also help you locate your pup if they’re outside without a leash or hiding in the house.
To teach “speak,” you’ll have to monitor your dog. Try and say “speak” each time before they bark and then give them a treat. It’s important to say “speak” loudly each time — otherwise your pup may confuse barking randomly with the command.
18. Quiet
Once your dog knows “speak,” they will be able to learn “quiet.” This can be a useful command if they are barking excessively and being obtrusive.
To teach “quiet,” have your dog “speak” and then very loudly say “quiet” above their bark. When they stop barking, give them a treat and be extra joyful. Repeat this multiple times a day until they catch on.
19. Shake
“Shake” is a fun trick to teach your dog. It doesn’t have much practical utility, but it’s a fun command to teach and have a good time with.
To teach “shake,” simply have your dog sit. Then, pick up their paw while saying “shake” and give them a treat. Hold it for two seconds, say “shake” again and give them another treat.
20. Car
With some exceptions, dogs can enjoy car rides if you train them to. Treats, toys and a comfy space can all add to a great road trip (even if it’s to the vet).
To teach your dog to get into a car, take your dog outside with a leash and have the trunk or door of your car easily accessible. Then, place a treat inside the desired sitting area and say “car.” Your pup should hop right in and after a few goes, understand when it’s time to go for a ride.
21. Belly
Nothing is more fun than cuddling with your pup and scratching their belly. This is a fun way to bond with your pup, but also help you gain trust with them.
“Belly” is taught by first having your dog in the “down” position. Then with a treat in hand, have your dog roll onto their side. Move the treat to the side of their head, all the while encouraging them as they lay down. Then, continue to move the treat to the side while saying “belly.”
With these commands, your dog will be off to a superb start. It’s important to start teaching these commands as soon as possible, so your pup and you can be set up for a lifetime of love. This will help your dogs mental health, and ability to socialize.
In addition to mental health, we at Gallant believe preparing for physical health problems is part of responsible ownership as well. Learn about the process and help your puppy out today for a lifetime of love.
Looking to dive deep into training and setting yourself and your pup up for success? Cheek out SpiritDog Training.
