As a dog owner, it is important to teach your furry friend basic commands. Not only does it make your life easier, but it also ensures the safety of your dog. In this article, we will discuss the top commands your dog should know and how to train them. Let’s get started!
1. Sit
The “sit” command is one of the most basic and easiest commands to teach your dog. It is a great starting point for your dog to learn obedience and discipline. To teach your dog to sit, follow these steps:
Step 1: Hold a treat above your dog’s head.
Step 2: As your dog looks up at the treat, slowly move it back towards their tail.
Step 3: As your dog follows the treat, their hindquarters will lower to the ground. As soon as this happens, say “sit” and give them the treat.
Repeat this process several times a day until your dog can sit on command without the use of treats.
2. Stay
The “stay” command is important for your dog’s safety. It teaches your dog to stay in one place until you release them. To teach your dog to stay, follow these steps:
Step 1: Have your dog sit in front of you.
Step 2: Hold your hand up in front of your dog’s face and say “stay.”
Step 3: Take a step back. If your dog stays in place, say “good stay” and give them a treat.
Step 4: Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog as they become more comfortable with the command.
3. Come
The “come” command is important for your dog’s safety and allows you to call your dog back to you. To teach your dog to come, follow these steps:
Step 1: Leash your dog and have them sit in front of you.
Step 2: Back up a few steps and say “come.”
Step 3: If your dog comes to you, say “good come” and give them a treat.
Step 4: Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog as they become more comfortable with the command.
4. Down
The “down” command teaches your dog to lay down on command. It is a great way to keep your dog calm and relaxed. To teach your dog to lay down, follow these steps:
Step 1: Have your dog sit in front of you.
Step 2: Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose and slowly lower it towards the ground.
Step 3: As your dog follows the treat, their body will lower to the ground. As soon as this happens, say “down” and give them the treat.
Step 4: Repeat this process several times a day until your dog can lay down on command without the use of treats.
5. Heel
The “heel” command teaches your dog to walk by your side without pulling or tugging on their leash. To teach your dog to heel, follow these steps:
Step 1: Start walking with your dog on a leash on your left side.
Step 2: Say “heel” and start walking. If your dog pulls or tugs, stop walking and make them sit.
Step 3: Once your dog is sitting, start walking again and repeat the command.
Step 4: Gradually increase the distance you walk with your dog as they become more comfortable with the command.
6. Leave it
The “leave it” command teaches your dog to leave something alone. This is important for your dog’s safety and prevents them from eating or playing with something they shouldn’t. To teach your dog to leave it, follow these steps:
Step 1: Hold a treat in one hand and a toy or object in the other.
Step 2: Show your dog the treat and say “leave it.”
Step 3: If your dog tries to grab the treat, cover it with your hand and say “no.”
Step 4: Once your dog has stopped trying to grab the treat, give them the toy or object and say “take it.”
7. Drop it
The “drop it” command teaches your dog to release something from their mouth. This is important for your dog’s safety and prevents them from chewing or swallowing something they shouldn’t. To teach your dog to drop it, follow these steps:
Step 1: Hold a toy or object in front of your dog’s mouth.
Step 2: Say “drop it” and wait for your dog to release the object.
Step 3: Once your dog has released the object, say “good drop it” and give them a treat.
8. No
The “no” command teaches your dog to stop doing something. It is important for your dog’s safety and discipline. To teach your dog to respond to “no,” follow these steps:
Step 1: Use a firm voice and say “no” when your dog is doing something they shouldn’t.
Step 2: If your dog continues to do the behavior, remove them from the situation or use a leash to lead them away from the behavior.
Step 3: Once your dog has stopped the behavior, say “good no” and give them a treat.
9. Speak
The “speak” command teaches your dog to bark on command. It can be a fun way to bond with your dog and teach them a new trick. To teach your dog to speak, follow these steps:
Step 1: Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose and say “speak.”
Step 2: If your dog barks, say “good speak” and give them the treat.
Step 3: If your dog doesn’t bark, make a noise or say “woof” to encourage them to bark.
Step 4: Repeat this process several times a day until your dog can bark on command without the use of treats.
10. Roll over
The “roll over” command is a fun trick to teach your dog. It teaches your dog to roll over on command. To teach your dog to roll over, follow these steps:
Step 1: Have your dog lay down on their side.
Step 2: Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose and slowly move it towards their shoulder.
Step 3: As your dog follows the treat, their body will roll over. As soon as this happens, say “roll over” and give them the treat.
11. Shake
The “shake” command is a fun trick to teach your dog. It teaches your dog to shake their paw on command. To teach your dog to shake, follow these steps:
Step 1: Have your dog sit in front of you.
Step 2: Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose and slowly move it towards their paw.
Step 3: As your dog lifts their paw to get the treat, say “shake” and give them the treat.
12. Jump
The “jump” command teaches your dog to jump on command. It is a fun trick to teach your dog, but it is important to teach your dog when it is appropriate to jump. To teach your dog to jump, follow these steps:
Step 1: Have your dog sit in front of you.
Step 2: Hold a treat above your dog’s head and say “jump.”
Step 3: If your dog jumps, say “good jump” and give them the treat.
Step 4: Gradually increase the height of the jump as your dog becomes more comfortable with the command.
13. Spin
The “spin” command is a fun trick to teach your dog. It teaches your dog to spin in a circle on command. To teach your dog to spin, follow these steps:
Step 1: Have your dog stand in front of you.
Step 2: Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose and slowly move it in a circular motion around their head.
Step 3: As your dog follows the treat, their body will spin in a circle. As soon as this happens, say “spin” and give them the treat.
14. Back up
The “back up” command teaches your dog to walk backwards on command. It is a fun trick to teach your dog, but it is important to teach your dog when it is appropriate to use this command. To teach your dog to back up, follow these steps:
Step 1: Have your dog stand in front of you.
Step 2: Say “back up” and take a step towards your dog.
Step 3: If your dog takes a step backwards, say “good back up” and give them a treat.
Step 4: Gradually increase the distance your dog backs up as they become more comfortable with the command.
15. Play dead
The “play dead” command is a fun trick to teach your dog. It teaches your dog to lay down and pretend to be dead on command. To teach your dog to play dead, follow these steps:
Step 1: Have your dog lay down on their side.
Step 2: Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose and slowly move it towards their shoulder.
Step 3: As your dog follows the treat, their body will roll over onto their back. As soon as this happens, say “play dead” and give them the treat.
Now that you know how to teach your dog these basic commands, it’s time to start training! Remember to be patient and consistent with your training. Your furry friend will thank you for it!
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