Proper training is essential to make sure your new pup grows into a well-behaved and happy adult dog. If you practice training your dog early on, you can prevent bad habits and strengthen the bond between you and your new pet. Here are some basic commands that every dog should know, and how first-time owners can teach them effectively.
Train Your Puppy with These 6 Basic Dog Commands
1. Sit
“Sit” is a command we even give to little kids when we finally try to get something done around the house. It’s one of the easiest and most useful commands to teach your puppy. Teaching your puppy to sit is an easy first step in obedience training and helps prepare them for learning other commands.
How to teach a puppy to sit
Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose.
Slowly move your hand up, allowing their head to follow the treat. This movement will naturally cause their bottom to lower.
Once your puppy is in a sitting position, say “Sit” and give them the treat.
Repeat this several times a day until your puppy masters the command.
2. Stay
Another universal command for both puppies and small kids, haha. Teaching your puppy to “stay” is crucial for their safety and your peace of mind. Sometimes, this command comes in handy to keep your dog in one place at the right time. For example, it could be the difference between them running into busy traffic or them staying by your side.
How to teach a puppy to stay
First, ask your puppy to sit.
Open your palm in front of you and say “Stay.”
Take a few steps back. If your puppy stays, reward them with a treat and affection.
Gradually increase the distance and duration, always rewarding success.
If your puppy breaks the stay, gently return them to the original position and start again.
3. Come
“Come” is a command that’s essential for any recall training. It teaches your puppy to return to you when called. This command can be very important, especially when your dog is not on a leash and could get into trouble.
How to teach a puppy to come when called
Attach a leash to your puppy and let them explore.
Gently pull the leash towards you while saying “Come.”
When your puppy comes to you, reward them immediately with a treat and praise.
Practice this command indoors and in secure outdoor areas.
4. Down
“Down” keeps your puppy calm – or at least teaches the puppy to be calm when you say “down” in stressful situations. It also prevents them from jumping on people as well as furniture.
How to teach a puppy to lie down
Hold a treat in your hand and let your puppy sniff it.
Slowly lower your hand to the floor. Your puppy should follow the treat down.
As soon as they are lying down, say “Down” and give them the treat.
Practice regularly, making sure to reward calm behavior.
5. Leave It
The “leave it” command tends to keep things out of your puppy’s mouth. It also helps if they’re chasing something around. Overall, it keeps them out of situations in which they’re curious about potentially harmful objects or animals.
How to teach a dog to ‘leave it’
Place a treat in both hands.
Show your puppy one of the treats and say “Leave It.”
Close your hand when they try to sniff or grab it.
Wait until your puppy looks away from your hand, then reward them with the treat from your other hand.
Practice this until your puppy learns to ignore the first treat and focus on you instead.
6. Heel
Teaching your puppy to walk beside you, also known as “heel,” makes walks more enjoyable and prevents them from pulling on the leash. It stops them from running every which way and the potential of hurting themselves on the pulled leash.
How to teach your puppy to heel
Start by holding your puppy’s leash in your right hand and a treat in your left hand.
With your puppy on your left side, say “Heel” and start walking.
Reward your puppy when they stay by your side.
Practice in short bursts, gradually increasing the length of your walks.
Training your puppy requires patience, yes, and we all know it could be frustrating at times. Maybe a bit expensive too when you’re running through so many incentive treats, haha. However, the rewards are well worth it. By mastering these basic commands, your puppy will become a well-behaved member of your family and enjoy a happier and safer life.
Remember to keep training sessions short and fun, we don’t want them to be bootcamps. With time, consistency, and once again, some patience, your puppy will soon understand and respond to these essential commands!
Want to learn more about training your new puppy? View our blog on Behavior Training!
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