- Sit 🐾 (Foundation of Good Manners)
“Sit” is often the first command taught and for good reason – it’s the canine equivalent of saying “please.” A dog that sits on cue can be managed more easily around guests, at the vet, before crossing a street, etc. It’s a great default behavior for polite greeting (instead of jumping). Teaching sit is usually straightforward:
- Method 1: Lure into position. Hold a small treat near your dog’s nose, then slowly move it upward and back over their head. As the dog’s nose follows the treat, their rear will naturally plop down. The instant their butt hits the floor, mark it with a happy “Yes!” or clicker and give the treat. If the dog backs up or jumps, adjust the treat placement (hold it closer to their head or do it in a corner so they can’t back away).
- Method 2: Capture the behavior. Simply wait for your dog to sit on their own (this works well with puppies). The moment they do, praise and reward. They’ll start to connect the dots that sitting earns goodies.
- Add the cue word. Once your dog is consistently following the lure or offering sits, start saying “Sit” right as they begin to sit. Over repetitions, they’ll associate the word with the action. Eventually, you can say “Sit” before they do it; if they understand, they’ll sit and earn a reward. Never physically push your dog’s rear down – it can confuse or startle them.
- Practice everywhere. Dogs don’t generalize well at first, so practice “sit” in different rooms, outside on walks, at the park – with gradually increasing distractions. Always praise success. Soon, sitting when asked will become second nature to your pup.
Why it’s essential: “Sit” gives you a way to calm your dog down and gain control in stimulating situations. For example, before you open the door, asking for a sit can prevent door-darting or jumping on visitors. It’s the basis for many other behaviors too. A dog that knows sit is ready to learn more.
- Down ⬇️ (Lie Down and Relax)
“Down” (lie down) is another core command. It often follows “sit” in training progression. Lying down on cue is useful when you need your dog to settle in one place – like at a café, during your dinner, or whenever you want them to be calm. A dog in a down-stay is generally more relaxed and less likely to get into trouble.
How to teach Down:
- Start with your dog sitting (or standing) and use a treat lure. Hold a treat at your dog’s nose, then slowly lower it straight to the ground between their paws. Your dog should follow their nose down; as soon as their elbows touch the floor, mark with “Yes!” and reward.
- Some dogs might slide into a down easily, others may pop up or try to nibble the treat. If your dog stands up, you might be moving the treat too quickly or too far away. Try sliding the treat along the ground towards the dog, encouraging them to sphinx down. You can also guide under your dog’s chest and slightly forward.
- Alternate method: If luring isn’t working, try capturing downs – whenever you see your dog lie down naturally (like during relaxation), say “Down,” praise, and treat. Over time, they’ll link the word to the action.
- Add the verbal cue “Down” once the dog is reliably following the lure. Say it once, in a firm but friendly tone, as you motion to the floor. Reward when they comply. Keep sessions short and upbeat.
- Note: Some dogs find “down” a bit more submissive or vulnerable, so be patient. Never force a dog into a down; instead, make it super rewarding for them to choose to lie down.
Why it’s essential: A down command is basically an off-switch. It’s great for impulse control – for example, if your dog gets overly excited when people are eating, a solid down-stay on their mat keeps them out of trouble. It’s also the basis for advanced training (like “Place” command or longer stays). Plus, lying down is a comfortable resting position, so once they learn it, dogs often relax into a down on their own.
- Stay 🚦 (Wait Patiently Until Released)
“Stay” is the command that teaches your dog to remain in position until you give them the cue to move (often a release word like “Okay!” or “Free!”). It goes hand-in-hand with sit or down – for instance, “Sit, stay” means hold the sit until I say you can get up. Teaching a solid stay builds impulse control and focus. It’s crucial for safety (imagine your dog on a sit-stay at the curb of a busy street) and convenience (having your dog stay put while you carry in groceries or answer the door).
How to teach Stay:
- Start with your dog in a sit (or down). Hold your open palm out toward them (like a “stop” signal) and say “Stay.” Take just one step back, then step back to the dog before they move, and quickly reward. Use a calm, encouraging tone and try not to sound threatening.
- Gradually increase the duration and distance. First work on duration: can your dog stay for 3 seconds? 5 seconds? Reward generously while they hold still (you can even feed multiple small treats during the stay at first). If they break, simply reset without harsh corrections – it just means we pushed too far too fast.
- Once they can handle a short stay, add distance: take a couple steps away, return and reward. Always return to the dog to deliver the treat; don’t call them out of the stay for the reward, as that can blur the meaning of “stay.”
- Incorporate the release word. Your dog needs a clear signal that stay is over. Common release words are “OK,” “Free,” or “Break.” Say your release (e.g. “OK!”) and gesture that they can move, then encourage them up and reward with praise. They should only move once released. If they start getting up before the release, gently put them back and make the next stay shorter.
- Practice in various positions (sit-stay, down-stay) and gradually add distractions and distance. You might back up 6 feet, 10 feet… practice walking around your dog, or having someone knock on the door while they stay. Build up realism slowly, so your dog succeeds.
- Teaching stay can take time, so be patient and increase criteria in baby steps. The goal is to make the dog successful – lots of little successes build a reliable stay, whereas rushing could teach the dog that “stay” just means “get up whenever you feel like it.”
Why it’s essential: A reliable stay means peace of mind. You can prevent door-dashing by having a dog that stays until released when the door opens. You can keep your pup out from underfoot (imagine telling your dog to “down-stay” on their bed while you mop the floor or cook – so helpful!). In public, a stay can avoid chaos, like keeping your dog by your side instead of lunging toward another dog or person. It’s an exercise in trust and patience for your dog, making them a calmer, more well-behaved pet.
- Come 📣 (Reliable Recall)
“Come” (also called recall) is arguably the most important command for your dog’s safety. It means drop whatever you’re doing and return to me. A solid recall can save your dog from running into danger, and it allows you to give them more off-leash freedom when appropriate. Teaching a reliable come when called takes practice and positivity, but it is extremely worthwhile.
How to teach Come:
- Start in a distraction-free, enclosed area (like indoors). Squat down, open your arms, and in a happy voice say your dog’s name and “Come!” For example, “Buddy, come!” Use a cheerful, encouraging tone – you want your dog to think running to you is the best thing ever.
- You may need to gently reel them in at first: show a treat, or even run a couple steps away to trigger their chase instinct (dogs love to chase – so running away from your dog while calling often makes them zoom toward you). When they arrive, reward with high-value treats and praise lavishly. You want them to feel that coming to you is jackpot time.
- Practice short distances, then increase. If your pup is hesitant, don’t yank or scold – go back to a shorter distance or use a leash to prevent them wandering off.
- Never punish a dog for coming late. Even if your dog took their sweet time or got distracted, if they eventually come to you, never reprimand them. It’s tempting to say “Bad dog, why didn’t you come sooner!” but from the dog’s view, they just came to you and got punished – next time, they’ll be less likely to come. Always make coming to you a positive experience, even if you’re frustrated they didn’t respond immediately.
- Incorporate recalls into daily life. Call them for dinner: “Fido, come!” or call during play and then release them back to play as a reward. You want to practice until it becomes almost reflex for your dog to turn and head your way when they hear the cue.
- For outdoor or long-distance practice, use a long-line leash (15-30 feet) in a safe area. Let your dog roam to the end, then cheerfully call “Come!” and guide them in with the line if needed, rewarding when they arrive. Over time, the line won’t be needed.
- Teach your dog that coming to you doesn’t always end the fun. A big mistake owners make is only calling the dog when playtime is over or when you’re about to do something the dog dislikes (like leaving the dog park or giving a bath). Mix it up: sometimes call them, reward, then say “Go play!” and let them resume playing. This way they don’t associate “come” with a guaranteed end of fun.
Why it’s essential: Recall is potentially life-saving. If your dog slips out of their leash near traffic, a solid “Come!” can bring them back to you and avoid disaster. It also allows you to enjoy off-leash hikes or park time with confidence that you can call your dog if needed. Many trainers consider recall the most important command because it gives you control from a distance and in unpredictable situations. Make it fun, make it rewarding, and practice often – a dog that comes when called is a dog that can enjoy more freedom safely.
- Leave It 🚫 (Drop that, Don’t Touch!)
“Leave It” tells your dog to refrain from touching or picking up something. It could be that chicken bone on the sidewalk, the kid’s toy on the floor, or even not to chase a squirrel. “Leave it” is about impulse control and safety. Dogs are curious and often put things in their mouths that they shouldn’t – a strong leave-it can prevent poisoning, choking, or just mischief. In fact, trainers say “leave it” can be life-saving.
How to teach Leave It:
- Hold a treat in a closed fist and present it to your dog (they will sniff, maybe nibble at your hand). Firmly say “Leave it.” Don’t let them have the treat. Eventually, the dog will stop trying and pull back or look away – at that moment, say “Yes!” and immediately reward them with a different treat from your other hand. (Using a separate, higher-value treat rewards the leave-it behavior).
- Repeat this exercise until the dog consistently backs off the fist when they hear “Leave it.” They learn that ignoring the item in your hand actually gets them something better from you.
- Next, practice by placing a treat on the floor covered by your hand. Say “Leave it,” and when the dog doesn’t try to get it (or gives up trying), reward from your other hand. Progress to dropping the treat and covering it with your foot if the dog lunges.
- Over time, practice with different objects (toys, food, etc.), and in various scenarios: for example, on walks when you see a discarded scrap, you can say “Leave it!” as a reminder.
- Importantly, never allow “leave it” to turn into a game of snatch. If you tell your dog leave it, you must enforce it – use a leash if needed to prevent them from getting the item. Consistency teaches them that leave it means leave it, always.
- Also teach a separate cue like “Drop it” for when they already have something in their mouth and you want them to let go. “Leave it” is generally used pre-emptively (don’t pick that up or don’t go after that), while “drop it” or “give” means release what’s already in mouth.
Why it’s essential: Dogs explore the world with their mouths, which can get them into trouble. “Leave it” can save your dog’s life – e.g., if they’re about to grab something toxic or dangerous. It’s also handy for everyday civility, like stopping them from snatching food off the coffee table or diving for pills you dropped on the floor. A dog that will halt and leave something alone on command shows a high level of obedience and trust in you. This command requires strong reinforcement, but once instilled, it’s incredibly useful daily.
Teaching these five commands – Sit, Down, Stay, Come, and Leave It – will give you control in most situations you and your dog encounter. Training is an ongoing process, so keep practicing these cues in different environments, with distractions, and reinforce them throughout your dog’s life. Make training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and fun, ending on a success. Use positive reinforcement always; your dog will learn faster and enjoy training if it’s a rewarding experience.
Remember, these commands aren’t just tricks – they are critical tools for safety, manners, and communication. A dog who comes when called or leaves something on command is demonstrating trust and respect for you as their leader. Likewise, you are fulfilling your role by guiding them safely through the human world.
If you’re struggling with any command, consider enrolling in a basic obedience class or seeking guidance from a professional trainer. Sometimes a bit of expert coaching can speed up the process and ensure you’re using the best technique for your particular dog.
With patience and consistency, your dog will soon reliably respond to these five essential commands. Not only will you have a well-behaved pet, but you’ll also deepen the bond of understanding between you and your dog. Happy training!🎉
References:
- Best Friends Animal Society, “Top 5 Basic Dog Commands” (benefits of sit & down, building relationship and manners).
- Best Friends – “How to Teach ‘Leave It’” (leave it can prevent injury or even save a dog’s life)
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- AKC, “Teach Your Puppy These 5 Basic Cues,” (methods for sit, down, stay, come)
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- Pawlicy Advisor, “How To Socialize a Puppy,” (notes that behavioral training – e.g., recall, leave it – is crucial to prevent problems, the #1 cause of death under age 3)
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