20 Basic and Essential Dog Commands You Can Teach Your Pup

You have adopted a new puppy, and after the excitement of the arrival of a new pet in the family subsides, you are worried about how to train him. Training your pup is important for them to adjust and behave properly in your family and even outside. The new pet should understand and obey you when you ask him to do something. Now, do you hire a dog trainer, or can you start by teaching him some basic commands at home? All through proper dog training is essential; you can first teach your new pup the basic dog commands at home that will train him to teach him how to behave at home and outside.

Tips Before Starting to Teach Commands to Your Dog

Before you start teaching commands to your new pet, there are certain things you should take care of to ensure proper training of your pup. Tips to help you better train your pup are:

• Find a quiet spot for the training – to prevent distractions.
• Be patient and consistent.
• Don’t push the dog too hard at first.
• Keep learning sessions brief and straightforward.
• Make training workouts a regular part of your routine.
• Don’t punish your dog.
• Before demonstrating orders in public, practice at home or in the garden.
• Praise the dog for his wonderful behavior.
• Show him what you want him to know rather than telling him.
• As soon as the dog has mastered an old command, teach him a new one.
• Make training enjoyable and entertaining.
• Participate in training activities with your dog – he needs a playmate.

The Best Training Commands for Dogs

One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a pet is proper training. When done correctly, you can ensure your dog’s happiness, love, and safety for a lifetime. Basic commands not only help your dog behave at home, but they may also help them be a decent canine citizen in the outside world. We have the best dog training commands list to teach your furry pet.

1. Name Recognition

Before you teach your dog common dog commands, your pet should first know when you are calling them or when something is being said to them. For that, they should be able to recognize their name. Once they know when they are addressed, they’ll only be able to learn the further commands. When they start looking towards you when you call their name, they sure sign they know their name and respond to it.

2. Sit

One of the most important dog commands is “sit.” This command is s basic dog training command that will be handy for you daily. Once your dog understands the “sit” command, it would be useful to calm and control them. It would be your go-to command to tell your pet for almost everything, from guests coming over to asking them to eat their meal. After they learn the “sit” command, you can easily teach them other commands such as “stay” or “come.”

3. Down

“Down” is not an easy command to teach but one that your dog will benefit greatly from knowing. It’s not just cute, but it’s also useful for when your dog gets a bit too enthusiastic. Hold a strong-smelling goodie in front of your dog and let them sniff it. Bring the reward to the floor once they’ve done so, and your dog will ultimately follow. Say “down” and then give them the treat when their tummy is on the floor.

4. Come

Another very vital command you should teach your dog is “come.” This is for their protection. If they start to run away or go into a risky place, it might save their life. Put your dog on a leash and utter the command while softly tugging on their leash for “coming.” Reward your dog with a treat when he or she approaches you.

5. Stay

The most crucial command to teach your dog is “stay,” which will come in handy regularly in controlling them. “Stay” must be taught at an early age for their own safety and the protection of others. Start by teaching your dog how to sit. Then take one step back from your dog. If your dog tries to come near you, say a firm “no” and ask them to sit. Then say “stay” when they come to a halt.

6. Wait

“Wait,” like “stay,” is a phrase used when someone enters your home through the front entrance. Your dog will most certainly become excited when someone enters your house, regardless of how well behaved they are, but they mustn’t run into you or your guests.

7. Off

“Off” might be handy if you want to keep your furniture hair-free. Others may object if you bring your dog to their house, even if you don’t mind a snoozing doggy. As a result, the command “off” is a courtesy command. To aid with the association, practice in a room with furniture. Place a goodie in your fist in front of your dog’s nose. They’ll attempt to take it from you, but keep your fist shut. When they finally give in, say “off” and hand up the goodie.

8. Leave It

On walks, the command “Leave it” is frequently used. Dogs are inquisitive creatures that occasionally get into things they shouldn’t, which is when the phrase “leave it” comes in handy. In each hand, hold two sweets. Show one of the goodies to your dog, then shut your hand with the second goodie hidden behind your back. Keep the goodie you showed him or her in your fist and repeat, “Leave it,” as you wait for them to lose interest. Give them the reward you were hiding once they’ve moved away from the treat.

9. Watch Me or Look

“Watch me” or “look” is a lesser-known yet crucial command. If you bring your dog to a busy place, this advice will come in helpful. You’ll know when to use this command as you come to know your dog better – some dogs require it when automobiles pass by, squirrels run in front of them, and so on. To begin training for “watch me,” hold a goodie near your dog’s nose. Then, carefully pull the reward closer to your face, stopping when it’s close to your nose. Give the command “watch me” and treat your pet.

10. Heel

The heel dog command will be used with your puppy daily. When dogs are young and proper walking habits are created, emphasize them regularly. Take your dog on a walk and instruct them to “sit” now and then to teach them “heel.” Take a goodie from your pocket and present it to your dog before going for a stroll. Maintain a firm grip on the leash and hold the goodie over your dog’s head.

11. No

The command “no” is a flexible one that will keep your dog out of danger. This command should be used whenever you notice your puppy getting into mischief. Put your dog on a leash and place a reward on the floor to teach this command. When your dog approaches the goodie to sniff it, say “no” and gently tug the leash towards you. Reward your dog and give it to him regularly.

12. Drop It

“Drop it” is an important command that prevents your dog from injuring themselves or your items. This instruction can preserve numerous household goods, especially for small puppies. You’ll need two similar dog toys to teach this command. Give your pet one toy at a time to play. Then summon them and show them the new gadget. Say “drop it,” and then hand them the new toy once they’ve dropped the old one. You can do this with a toy or a treat as well.

13. Handle Your Business

You may use whatever phrase you choose to connect with training your dog to go outdoors to do his business, but it will come into use for years. Take your dog out regularly to housetrain them, and each time you walk outside, use the phrase you want to indicate it’s time to go (“go pee,” “go potty,” “outside” — anything you want). Then be thrilled and offer them a treat once they’ve gone outside and done their business. It will take a few months to finalize this procedure.

14. Leash

Your dog will become tangled in its leash at some time, regardless of size. This happens regularly when walking and might be difficult to undo if your dog isn’t taught for it. Wrap their leash around your pet’s front paw so they learn to step over it. Gradually keep widening the loop of the leash and as you pull it towards you. Give your dog a leash and shout “leash” excitedly when they lift their paw, and the leash comes off.

15. Bed

Telling your dog to go to bed, just as with kids, is valuable instruction. It’s critical to treat this as a reward rather than a punishment. Put your dog on a leash and take them to the spot you’ve designated as “the bed.” This should be a spot where people may sleep and relax. Say “bed” and reward your dog after they’re in bed.

16. Speak

Another semi-fun command, “speak,” might help you find your dog if they’re outdoors without a leash or indoors hiding. You’ll need to keep an eye on your dog while teaching him to “speak.” Before they bark, try saying “speak” and then rewarding them with a treat. If you don’t say “speak” loudly each time, your dog can misinterpret barking at random with the order.

17. Lap

It’s a cute technique for your dog to learn to place their paws in your lap. It’s also handy when their paws are filthy and need to be cleaned. To teach this skill, sit in a chair. Take a bite out of a treat and set it on your lap. Encourage your dog by patting his paws on your lap and saying “lap”; they will ultimately put their paws up.

18. Quiet

Your dog will be able to learn “quiet” after they have learned “speak.” If they are barking incessantly and being intrusive, this can be a good order. To teach your dog “quiet,” have them “speak” and then say “quiet” extremely loudly over their bark. Reward them when they stop barking and be extra happy.

19. Car

With a few exceptions, dogs can enjoy car journeys if they are properly trained.  Take your dog outdoors on a leash and have the trunk or door of your car conveniently accessible to educate your dog to get into a car. Then, inside the chosen sitting location, place a reward and say “car.” Your dog should jump straight in and, after a few attempts, will recognize when it’s time to ride.

20. Take It

This can be a fun trick, but it may also be helpful instruction. Use this command to get your dog to pick something up. Select one of your dog’s favorite toys and a reward to teach this one. Hold the toy in front of your dog and then say “take it” before rewarding them with a treat.

This set of dog commands can assist you, and your dog stays safe in risky circumstances while also improving your communication with your pet. It’s definitely worth your time and effort to teach your dog these popular dog commands.

Also Read:

Effective Tips on How to Play With a Dog
Unique Dog Names for Your Pup
Essential and Healthy Care Tips for Dogs