Training is fundamental to a well-behaved, obedient dog and strengthens the bond between you and your pet. Teaching essential commands not only improves your dog’s behavior but also enhances their safety and allows for smoother social interactions. In this guide, we’ll cover four core commands—sit, stay, come, and leave it—and provide step-by-step instructions for teaching each one.
Why Basic Commands Are Important
Each command serves a specific purpose in everyday life, helping dogs learn boundaries and control. Here’s why each command is essential:
- Sit: This foundational command helps with impulse control, making your dog calmer in various situations, such as greeting guests or waiting for food.
- Stay: Teaches your dog patience and control, ensuring they won’t bolt out doors or into unsafe areas.
- Come: An essential recall command that ensures your dog returns to you, whether they’re at the park or in your yard.
- Leave It: Prevents your dog from picking up dangerous or unwanted items, helping to keep them safe.
With these commands, you’ll have a solid foundation for training and a well-mannered, safe dog.
Sit
The “sit” command is one of the first commands many dogs learn, as it’s simple and can help teach impulse control.
Why it’s essential: Sitting helps dogs manage excitement and creates calm behavior before receiving food, treats, or attention.
Step-by-Step Training Instructions
- Get Attention: Hold a treat in your hand to capture your dog’s attention.
- Move the Treat: Slowly raise the treat above your dog’s head. As they follow the treat with their eyes, their bottom should naturally lower into a sitting position.
- Reward: Once they sit, immediately say “sit” and give them the treat along with praise, like “Good sit!”
- Repeat: Practice several times, gradually reducing the need to hold the treat over their head. Eventually, just the word “sit” should prompt the behavior.
Tips: Practice the “sit” command in various locations and with different distractions to ensure they understand it consistently.
Stay
The “stay” command teaches dogs self-control, helping them remain in one place even if distractions arise.
Why it’s essential: This command is invaluable for safety. It prevents your dog from running into dangerous situations and can be used in many everyday scenarios.
Step-by-Step Training Instructions
- Start with Sit: Begin by asking your dog to “sit.”
- Use a Hand Signal: Show them the palm of your hand while saying “stay.”
- Step Back: Take a step back, keeping your hand raised. If your dog stays put, return to them, give a treat, and say, “Good stay.”
- Increase Distance: Gradually increase the number of steps between you and your dog before returning to reward them.
- Add Duration: Begin with a short stay and increase the duration as they improve.
Tips: If your dog moves, calmly bring them back to their original spot and try again. Keep sessions short and positive, gradually building up to longer distances and durations.