5 Essential Commands Every Dog Should Know

Training your dog is one of the most gratifying responsibilities you can undertake as a pet owner. It not only strengthens the relationship between you and your furry friend but also plays a key role in their safety and well-being in a variety of situations. As a dog hotel, we recognise the significance of a well-trained dog, so we’ve put together our best advice for teaching the five must-know commands for every dog.

Sit

Why It’s Important: The “Sit” command is fundamental in dog training. It helps control your dog’s behaviour by stopping them from jumping on guests or reacting impulsively to distractions. Mastering this command is also a stepping stone for more advanced training techniques.

How to Teach It:

• Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose to get their attention.
• Move your hand upwards, prompting their head to follow the treat and naturally lowering their hindquarters.
• Once your dog is sitting, say “Sit” and promptly reward them with the treat along with verbal praise.
• Practise this routine several times a day in different environments to reinforce the behaviour.

Stay

Why It’s Important: The “Stay” command is essential for managing your dog’s movements, particularly in situations that could be hazardous. This command instructs your dog to remain in one spot until given permission to move, which is particularly useful during walks or when visitors come to your home.

How to Teach It:

• Begin with your dog in the “Sit” position.
• Extend your hand in front of you, palm out, and say “Stay.”
• Step back a few paces, maintaining eye contact with your dog.
• If they stay put, reward them with a treat and praise. If they move, gently guide them back to their original spot and try again.
• Gradually increase the distance and time of the “Stay” command as your dog becomes more reliable.

Come

Why It’s Important: The “Come” command is vital for your dog’s safety, as it allows you to call them back to you, keeping them out of potentially dangerous situations.

How to Teach It:

• Start in a quiet area with minimal distractions and keep your dog on a leash.
• Crouch down to your dog’s level and say “Come” in an enthusiastic tone while gently tugging on the leash.
• As soon as your dog begins moving towards you, reward them with a treat and plenty of praise.
• Practise this command in various settings, gradually increasing the level of distractions and distance.

Down

Why It’s Important: The “Down” command encourages a calm and submissive posture, which can help soothe an excited or anxious dog. This command is especially useful for managing hyperactive behaviour and offering comfort during stressful moments.

How to Teach It:

• Hold a treat in your hand and bring it close to your dog’s nose to capture their attention.
• Slowly lower the treat to the ground, guiding your dog to follow it down.
• As they lower their body into a lying position, say “Down” and reward them with the treat and praise.
• Be patient and consistent, as some dogs may take time to feel comfortable with this position.

Leave It

Why It’s Essential: The “Leave It” command is crucial for preventing your dog from picking up or chewing on potentially harmful objects. This command helps ensure your dog’s safety during walks and discourages unwanted behaviours such as scavenging.

How to Teach It:

• Place a treat in each hand. Show your dog one closed hand with a treat inside and say “Leave It.”
• Allow your dog to sniff, paw, or lick your hand without giving them the treat.
• Once they stop and move away, reward them with the treat from your other hand.
• Repeat this exercise until your dog immediately backs away when you say “Leave It.”
• Progress to more tempting objects, always rewarding your dog for choosing to leave it alone.

The Benefits of Teaching Essential Commands

Starting your dog’s training journey early on provides a strong foundation for good behaviour, but it’s important to remember that it’s never too late to start. Teaching your dog these essential commands on your own can lead to a more harmonious relationship and a happier, safer pet. With consistency and patience, you’ll find that your dog not only responds better to commands but also enjoys the training process, further strengthening the bond between you both.